The Hammer of Witches: A Complete Translation of the Malleus Maleficarum

Description

My interest in this work developed after a course I took on the history of witch craft and the witch hysteria. This is a translation of The Maleus Maleficarum which was first published c. 1486. Translator Christopher S. Mackay provides readers with insights into this 15th century treatise on witchcraft. As stated in the introduction, the book's primary objective is to provide readers with insights into this work, with reference to how the work was perceived by those of its time and also its ramifications in the years since its publication. The focus here is on the intellectual context and cultural/historical background of the work. Having never read other translations of this work, my review is based purely on this work. I found the detailed outline provided in the Introduction to be useful in making sense of how the material is organized. The translator also provides suggestions for further reading and useful maps. Personally, I found this text to be accessible and readable and the price makes this a value buy for those interested in the subject.