This book is a very detailed history of magic and witchcraft, covering mentions of magicians and scorceresses back to the time of Greek and Roman mythology.

The book covers the evolution of the use of magic, from the time when magic was considered to be harmless charms and the use of healing herbs to devil worship and demonology wherein we get our familiar stereotypes of evil witches out to harm others.

The author also focuses on societal attitudes towards practictioners of magic, and how and why that has changed throughout the centuries. These were generally driven by the eventual wide-spread acceptance of Christianity and influenced by the belief of women as the weaker sex, emotional and susceptible to the influence of evil forces.

This was a very well-researched, academic recounting, full of facts and case studies, as well as ancient text references. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about the origins of magic and witchcraft.

Incredibly interesting. This looks at witchcraft from a historical and anthropological perspective and provides some really fascinating insights. Would definitely recommend.

It does have some good information and starting points. A decent bibliography. A variety of topics introduced like the rise of Christianity, skeptics, demonology, Wicca emerging in the 1960s/70s, men and child witches and more. A decent book for those wanting a history book.

This book is everything I wanted Ronald Hutton's The Witch to be, which is: an accessible historical overview of the West's understanding of witches and witchcraft and the infamous witch hunts of Western Europe.

Timbers begins with Ancient Greece and Rome's understanding of magic and witchcraft, then moves through the decades to paint a picture of the development of the popular notions of witchcraft and how they changed throughout the times. Along the way she debunks many popular beliefs about the witch trials. For example: the Malleus Malleficarum, or the Hammer of Witches, was not in fact the most influential written text on witches and witchcraft, despite its infamy; the Inquisition was actually a moderating influence on witch hunts at the local level, which tended to spiral out of control; witch hunts were not a systemic and systematic woman-hunting endeavor; accused witches were not practitioners of a pre-Christian fertility cult; Wicca is a modern amalgamation of many different cultural influences and rituals and is not in fact a prehistoric religion.

Overall, I very much enjoyed the way this was written; there was depth and detail but it was not overly scholarly and is immensely accessible to the average reader. My only gripe is that, despite the very formal style of the writing, the author would sometimes inject jokes or break the fourth wall in a way that was weirdly jarring and unprofessional. It would have been one thing if the entire tone of the book were conversational like that (though I likely would have hated that book), but it was very strange to be reading something semi-academic only to be interrupted by a bizarre joke ending in two (!!) exclamation marks.

But aside from that minor quibble, this is a thoroughly-researched and comprehensive account of the history of witchcraft in Western Europe; it does a superb job condensing hundreds of years of history in a logical and comprehensible way. I learned a ton!

An amazing read for anyone that's interested not only in witchcraft and magic, but in religion and history as a whole. You can tell there was a strong, careful investigation process behind it that also manages to be respectful to all religions and stories mentioned and remain impartial enough for the message to be delivered straight and clear. As a witch, I really loved this book, and as a history junkie, I really LOVED this book.

5 shiny stars
As someone who is deeply fascinated by Magic and witchcraft, this book was very informative and satisfying.
What I liked the most was the change of the concepts and definitions of witches and magic throughout generations and cultures, and also how beliefs were formed and enforced by religion
the author provides a lot of explanation about the links and origins of some beliefs and behaviors of witches, such as flying, chanting and calling to the 4 elements. And I have to admit, this changed a lot of misconceptions I had about magic and witchcraft, especially the real reasons behind persecutions and witch hunts.
I Highly recommended it, if you are looking for enlightening about the history of witches.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

trigger warning
[ torture and explicit explanation of different ways of torture, gore, misogyny, antisemitism, homophobia, torture and murder of children]

In this book, Frances Timbers explores the history of magic and witchcraft in the west, starting with the graeco-roman tradition and ending with wicca as we know it today. Especially the part of the witch hunts is euro-centric. Influences from the East are mentioned but not further explored. I don't have any problems with that, I just want to make it clear.

As it should be, in the introduction we learn how she gained her material, and on which parts of the huge topic she concentrates. From an academical standpoint, my only complaint would be that the whole book could have done with more footnotes.
But to be honest, if I read a book for fun and it's in e-format, I don't look for the footnotes if they're not at the bottom of the page as my device would have problems with jumping back and forth.

Be warned that the chapters about heretics and especially about witch hunts are bloody. Usually I don't have any problems with reading gore, but the recountings of the Pappenheimer family are... they make me speechless.

What I found most interesting is how what we understand as old witchcraft really came about in the 19th century, like so many of the beliefs currently held in 21st century middle europe.
I want to read more, and feel like this book was a good entryway to a deeper dive into this topic.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book answers every question I had about magic and witchcraft. It is thoroughly researched and provides a wealth of magical information. I was spellbound by the timeline of historical information that provided insight into magic, witchcraft, and its effect on civilizations throughout the centuries. This isn't a "hot=to" book, it's so much more! HIghly recommended for anyone who wants to know the facts and basis for modern witchcraft and magic.

I had been expecting something different when picking up this book. Don't ask me what exactly, I don't know, but I was a little disappointed. Maybe it was that I hoped it would go deeper into the different periods of time?
Either way, it was still an interesting read which thought me some more about the history of magic and witchcraft.

Get a look at the real inside story of the history of Magic and Witchcraft. The many different areas, folklore, and history can be blurred at times - with fiction overtaking fact a lot of the time.

In this book, Frances Timbers goes through everything - the myth, the legends, and the real history behind witchcraft. While Christianity had a huge effect on the practice, driving much of it underground, there were some horror stories that emerged during this time.
King James of England wrote a book on witches, and sadly, many took it to extremes that rocked Europe to its core. Innocent people were put to death over the rumor, and communities turned on each other as they battled to find the "witches" and save themselves in the process. Witchhunters and inquisitors came in, and the issue grew to epic proportions.

This was an amazing book and one that I really enjoyed. I loved reading the different stories, the history, and getting a more full story of what was going on, and why it happened.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in this subject matter. The author provides the reader a solid non-fiction book about the history of witches/witchcraft/magic as perceived by our society throughout history in an understandable manner. From the very roots of witchcraft through the witch hunts of earlier times through the modern day views and concepts, the book takes the reader on an invaluable journey to learn how it all came to be, why it all came to be and how it all fits together. It was fascinating to learn why certain beliefs and events occur and occurred and what the repercussions of they all are. I definitely learned innumerable things I had not known, been taught or figured out on my own, even though some of my conclusions were proven wrong in many ways. This book provides an excellent book for anyone who is interested in the subject or wants to learn more about it all, and the information is all in one place, so there is no need to go searching after other books, articles, etc. No need for deep dives anywhere else. My thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me this handy, useful reference.

Thoroughly explained. The author gives a clear and detailed explanation of the "witch-craze". First, he introduces the concepts of witchcraft and magic, and then, he explains how the witch-hunt as we know it (women condemned to burn at the stake or hung) took place, giving several examples. Finally, we learn a bit about the origins of "Modern Wicca" and its main aspects.
There are also 36 images that are mentioned throughout the book, in order to get a better idea. Some of them are old illustrations, photographs of archaeological objects, and paints, among others.

Thanks to Pen & Sword (especially for granting my wish, because the ARC wasn't available when I first requested it) and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fascinating read, well researched and informative.
I love the style of writing and how well researched it is.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

An interesting and well-researched book covering the history of witchcraft from its origins into today, this made for a fascinating read. It touches on many of the most notable historical cases, but leaves some pieces of information out (although I will be the first to say that I am aware it is virtually impossible to cover all facets of witchcraft). I would have appreciated a bit more of an in-depth look at the way that present practice manifests, as well as information on deities, equipment, etc. However, this was an interesting read that provides a marvellous starting place for those wanting to know the history of witchcraft.

This book dives deep into the actual facts of magic and witchcraft, for instance the number of victims compared to the inflated numbers that are now passed around as fact. The actual timeframe rather than the poetic platitude we often hear and ascribe to (middle ages vs. scientific revolution). The book highlights the facts that most of the trials was during the time of Galileo, Descartes, and Bacon. We travel from the priests and priestesses of ancient Egypt to the present in this comprehensive publication from Frances Timbers
This book is extremely comprehensive and absolutely worth a read if you’re a fan of either history or witchcraft. I’ve taken away many facts from this book that I did not know and also was educated about some misconceptions we’ve been taught as facts.
Even though this is a non-fiction book, the writing is not dry, and the story is a fascinating one. It leads you on to more knowledge in such a way that you’re not mad you’re learning it.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who’s a history fan. Even if you think you know all about this topic, I’m here to tell you that you’ll learn something new and enjoy yourself while learning it.
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A History of Magic and Witchcraft by Frances Timbers is a wonderful non fiction book about the history of witches/witchcraft/magic as perceived by our society throughout history. I remember taking an Early Modern History course back in college while getting my degree and finding the areas covering the witch craze by far the most interesting parts. I also thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the topic but still found that I learned quite a few things. Especially about how the 20th century influenced my learning about witches in history. The book while non fiction isn't dry. I hate when history texts are dry. Timbers has a great style. I will say that she has a tendency to repeat some information again and again. But for a novice non fiction reader I think this book is enjoyable. I also loved all the pictures that she placed in the text as well.

The book starts in the classical era and goes through the 21st century. I found this piece to be so fascinating. I definitely learned a lot. I do wish that there was more balance in the book. Maybe less in the Pre-Modern era and a little more in the other time periods. Or really she could have just made the book bigger and I'd have loved the extra information.

Consider me educated on the "History of Magic and Witchcraft". It turns out that a lot of what I thought I knew is wrong - and I now know why it was wrong too! This book is informative without being at all dry, and I found the whole thing fascinating. From the roots of magic and witchcraft, to the "witch hunts", to the modern day Wiccan, this book clarifies the muddied waters of this subject.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

This books takes you through the entire history of witchcraft and magic. It takes you through Ancient Greece & Rome, the Middle Ages. Early Modern Era, the impact of Christianity & pop culture, ceremonial magic & Wicca. It was very informative. This is an excellent book that is perfect for either a reference book or just for someone who is interested in learning more about the topic.

Is it fair for me to say, we all believe in something? Even if we choose to believe there is no God or any religion of any kind, isn’t that alone a choice and belief? Every culture has their ideals that are passed on generation to generation. This book, A History of Magic and Witchcraft identifies the differences and takes the reader through notions that may never be introduced to them otherwise. Thankfully we have books.

This book gets a five star because it is absolutely deserving. An exquisite cover with rich content that is superbly written. I do have a big pet peeve though that almost kept me from reading this book for a review. I want to add my rant to my review now. However, there was no way in hell I could give this book anything less than a five.

I borrowed a digital download from Netgalley. This particular title is sold as Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle. I do understand how an author may not want to give up their hard work for free. I get it. I also know there are crooks and thieves that are up to no good. However, when an author or publisher goes to such great links to add their novels to Netgalley for readers to review, something should be taken into consideration. When I borrow a book from Netgalley it disappears after a period of time. I can not copy, sell or trade that digital download. Nor would I want to do that to any author. And, I would like to be appreciated enough as a reviewer to be given a nicely organized copy to read.

I still consider this book to be an incredible reading source. A History of Magic and Witchcraft would make a wonderful addition to any library.

This book feels to me as an explanation of beliefs and where they may have originated from. How people and cultures use religion as a life force. A part of every day life and death. How Gods play a role in culture and with individuals. In their lives and how they may have developed ethics and morals from those beliefs.

To read about Gods and Goddesses, deities and the incredible religious stories many of us have been told all our lives, in this fashion is calming. The information is laid out without hesitation to be reported as history. In comparing one set of beliefs with another highlighting different concepts, cultures and views. Be it true, fiction, fable or myth is for the reader to decide. I wont sell the beauty of this book based on my own personal beliefs. I will say this…it is written so fantastically the reader will want to take in every single word. It is also one to have in a collection to be used as reference or for resource.

A History of Magic and Witchcraft is exactly that - a history of magic and witchcraft throughout the world. It is very well written and easy to follow. I learned some interesting new things I did not know about this topic. It is I believe a book full of information in one place.

If you want to learn about magic and witchcraft or even if you already know about this topic, this is a great book to have as a reference.

Definitely recommend this book.