A review by middleone95
Witches: James I and the English Witch Hunts by Tracy Borman

3.0

Witches was incredibly well researched with attention to detail and good use of original sources. It must be noted that I stopped and read out several passages to my partner. Unfortunately Borman’s argument and focus is lacking throughout; in the first third James I is obsessed with witchcraft and we hear a lot about his court and his personal relationships for unclear reasons. The second third focuses on the Belvoir Flower Women convicted of witchcraft with several references back to the Pendle and Essex witch trials. In the last third Borman returns to talking about James’ friends and influence and, oh by the way, he’s not bothered about witches anymore. The book is only missing a few stronger linking arguments.