Malleus Maleficarum

"Malleus Maleficarum" is a notorious "manual for witch hunters," written by monk Heinrich Kramer (also known as Heinrich Institoris) and rector of the University of Cologne Jacob Sprenger. The book was published in 1487 and went through 29 reprints, achieving equal popularity throughout the religiously torn Europe. Most researchers lean towards the idea that with the help of this book, Heinrich Kramer attempted to justify his own inquisitorial activities, which led to the burning of two hundred women and his disgraceful expulsion from the inquisition for fanaticism and cruelty. The result was directly opposite to what was expected — the inquisition, aimed at the destruction of heretics and religious libertines, condemned the very author in 1490.