Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Publication Date: October 4, 2018
Pages: 52
Format: Hardback, Kindle.
Royal Redhead Rating: 4/5 ❅
⋅ ⋅ ⋅ Review ⋅ ⋅ ⋅
Those who have been following me on my Instagram are aware of my interest in the history of witch-hunts. Since one of my favorite thing about studying and reading the Tudors is expxloring women’s struggle against patriarchy, this “new” interest of mine in witches may not come as a big surprise.
After reading E.C. Fremantle’s historical fiction novel The Poison Bed, my interest for 15-16th Century Tudor England started expanding to the 17th century Jacobean era. In my recent review on Fremantle’s novel, I explained that the novel takes place during the reign of James VI and I of England and that it features Frances Howard, a countess who was accused of murder and witchcraft.
What has James VI and I to do with witchraft? Well, besides writing Daemonologie, a book full of conspiracy theories against witches, James was, and is still known, for having had an “exceptionally paranoid view of witches and witchcraft”. Due to James’ paranoia, massive execution crusades were made against people accused of witchcraft in the 17th Century (Winscher).
Needless to say, witch-hunts affected many innocent women (and men) across the world, and according to Suzannah Lipscomb, witch-hunts are still a concern in our modern society. For this reason, I have felt the need to study this subject in hopes that I can raise awareness of it amongs my readers and followers. This is my contribution to feminism and my way of showing respect to women who innocently suffered persecution for being… I don’t know… normal women?
Now, back to Suzannah Lipscomb’s little book on “Witchcraft”. I am particularly new to the subject of “Witch-hunts” and therefore thought that Lipscomb’s book would provide a fun and illustrative introduction of the subject. I was right. Her book was a wonderful intro into the historical and modern world of witch-hunts.
The book is only 52 pages and on every page opening is dedicated to a topic of its own connected to witchcraft. In every opening there is one page full of text and another a beautiful illustration. The book reveals crimes, myths, torture methods and stereotypes connected to witches and even includes a chapter on male witches. I was pretty happy to see Lipscomb mention Icelandic witchcraft in her book, but more men were tried for witchcraft than women in Iceland. Pretty interesting, right?
Lipscomb’s little book on witchcraft is beautiful, interesting and fun to read. Also, it is at a very affordable price; at least on Book Depository. Therefore, don’t miss out on this book and the interesting topic of witch-hunts. Let’s raise awareness of the dangers women face today. We cannot change history, but we can change the future.
// Royal Redhead
Works Cited
Winscher, Stephanie. “King James and the Era of the Witch Trials”. Accessed 4 July, 2019. ahr-ashford.com/king-james-and-the-era-of-the-witch-trials/.
