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1862
Jules Michelet
1862
Translated by Lionel J. (Lionel James) Trotter
A historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work explores the concept of witchcraft during the Middle Ages, focusing on the evolution of the figure of the witch from benevolent healer to persecuted outcast. The book examines the social, cultural, and religious tensions that contributed to the witch hunts, providing a nuanced perspective on how women, particularly, were targeted in this dark period of history. The opening of the book introduces a preface that sets the tone for Michelet’s critique of the oppressive societal structures of the time, particularly the intertwined influences of the Church and feudalism. Michelet's exploration begins with the assertion that the witch represents the tragic intersection of healing and persecution, as women who were once revered as wise healers were ultimately vilified and hunted. He lays the groundwork for a discussion that intertwines historical facts with poetic reflections, emphasizing the deep-seated societal fears and the transformation of the witch from nature’s caretaker to a symbol of evil in a superstitious and authoritarian climate. This introduction foreshadows a detailed examination of the lives, beliefs, and struggles of witches against a backdrop of despair and darkness in medieval society.
