Scan barcode
A review by frankatzenzungen
Witches: James I and the English Witch Hunts by Tracy Borman
5.0
Comprehensive and well researched. Very interesting look at the Belvoir witch case and the surrounding beliefs in witchcraft during that time. Borman uses the Flowers family story as a framework to explore beliefs of the time more deeply. Having read a decent amount of other books on the subject I found this to be a very readable and comprehensive book. There were lots of short side stories to illustrate her points, and a fascinating (and horrific) letter written by an accused witch describing the ordeal which I found particularly emotive.
Borman is very much focusing on the stories that illustrate the beliefs of the time, and includes lots of detail around the political situation of the Earl of Rutland and his family because of how they create a link between King, themselves, and the poor women accused so you get a really good wide sweep of the population.
Borman is very much focusing on the stories that illustrate the beliefs of the time, and includes lots of detail around the political situation of the Earl of Rutland and his family because of how they create a link between King, themselves, and the poor women accused so you get a really good wide sweep of the population.