The World of Witches. The Rise and Fall of the Art of Magic in Europe

Julio Caro Baroja is a perceptive anthropologist and historian, well acquainted with European folklore. His creation of this fascinating, albeit somewhat scary book (1964), about the physical and mental world of witches, was inspired by the theme of the rise and fall of witchcraft in Europe. Beginning with an analysis of the mindset and worldview of those who believed in the art of magic or practiced sorcery, Baroja showcases the remarkable rise of witchcraft across medieval Europe. In this book, you will find an engaging and original study that refutes many common notions about the nature and history of magic, a wealth of interesting materials from the fields of art, literature, church and legal documents, as well as a detailed account of the psychology of witches and their accusers.
As an appendix, the book includes a practical guide to medieval witchcraft spells (1971), edited by Katherine Polsen.