A History of Witchcraft

An insightful and succinct overview of witchcraft, tracing its origins from antiquity to the present era. Witchcraft has long captivated and sometimes frightened humans with its elusive yet fascinating beliefs. "A History of Witchcraft," for over forty years, has delivered a comprehensive narrative on the evolution of witches and the occult practices. Starting with ancient magic, Jeffrey Russell delves into the varied definitions of witchcraft, exploring everything from the reverence for Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic, to the witch hunts of the 15th and 16th centuries, and the rise of modern witchcraft with figures like Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner in the early 20th century. In the contemporary context, Brooks Alexander examines how witchcraft and neopaganism have evolved, highlighting the role of modern media in their spread and the tensions that emerge as these once-secretive practices become widely acknowledged religions. This revised edition introduces a new chapter addressing recent challenges faced by witchcraft, including the impact of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, the global coronavirus pandemic, and the emergence of new neopagan movements.