This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms.
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) is best known for his poetry and for historical novels such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, but he also had a lifelong fascination with witchcraft and the occult. Following a spell of ill-health, Scott was encouraged by his son-in-law, publisher J. G. Lockhart, to put together a volume examining the causes of paranormal phenomena. This collection of letters, first published in 1830, is notable for both its scope (examining social, cultural, medical and psychological factors in peoples' paranormal experiences) and its clear, rational standpoint. Scott explores the influence of Christianity on evolving views of what is classified as 'witchcraft' or 'evil', and he explains the many (often innocuous) meanings of the word 'witch'. Written with palpable enthusiasm and from a strikingly modern perspective, this volume explores a range of topics including fairies, elves and fortune-telling as well as inquisitions and witch trials.… (more)
Origin of the general Opinions respecting Demonology among Mankind - The Belief in the Immortality of the Soul is the main inducement to credit its occasionally reappearance - The Philosophical Objections to the Apparition of an Abstract Spirit little understood by the Vulgar and Ignorant -
Quotations
Last words
There remains hope, however, that the grosser faults of our ancestors are now out of date; and that whatever follies the present race may be guilty of, the sense of humanity is too universally spread to permit them to think of tormenting wretches till they confess what is impossible, and then burning them for their pains.
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) is best known for his poetry and for historical novels such as Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, but he also had a lifelong fascination with witchcraft and the occult. Following a spell of ill-health, Scott was encouraged by his son-in-law, publisher J. G. Lockhart, to put together a volume examining the causes of paranormal phenomena. This collection of letters, first published in 1830, is notable for both its scope (examining social, cultural, medical and psychological factors in peoples' paranormal experiences) and its clear, rational standpoint. Scott explores the influence of Christianity on evolving views of what is classified as 'witchcraft' or 'evil', and he explains the many (often innocuous) meanings of the word 'witch'. Written with palpable enthusiasm and from a strikingly modern perspective, this volume explores a range of topics including fairies, elves and fortune-telling as well as inquisitions and witch trials.
▾Library descriptions
No library descriptions found.
▾LibraryThing members' description
Book description
ISBN 0-441-14256-075 From the back
A few of the unusual and intriguing subjects this book is about:
The Immortality of the Soul
Wizards of the Pharaohs
Creed of the Zoroasters
The Fairy Superstition
Cases of Demoniacs
The Witch of the Hebrews
Satyrs of the North
Evidence of Ghosts
Evidence of Intercourse with the Supernatural World
Delusions of the Touch Briefly Experienced in Sleep
Plus a probing discourse and commentary on Witch Hunting
Published for the first time in this century, Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft is guaranteed to hold spellbound the serious student of the Occult, the dedicated historian, and the ordinary man on the street who finds himself "enchanted" by the mystery of Parapsychology.
)
Google Books — Loading...
(3.34)
Wikipedia in English (2)
5