Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft: Addressed to J. G. LockhartSir 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. |
Contents
LETTER | 1 |
LETTER II | 49 |
LETTER IV | 118 |
LETTER V | 142 |
LETTER VI | 173 |
LETTER VII | 195 |
LETTER IX | 283 |
LETTER X | 344 |
Common terms and phrases
accused afflicted ancient Anne Robinson answer apparition appeared believe Bessie called Calvinists cause character charge charms Christian Church circumstances confession court credulity crime death deities demon Demonology devil divine Duergar Eildon hills Elfland elves England evidence evil executed existence eyes fairies faith fancy ghost guilty hand heathen Highland human imagination imposture instance Isobel Isobel Gowdie J. G. LOCKHART Jane Wenham judges King lady Lancre lives Lord Margaret Barclay Matthew Hopkins ment minister mortals murder nature neighbours observed occasion opinion party patient persons poor possession practised pretended punishment Queen racter Reginald Scot remarkable respect Robin Goodfellow Satan Scot Scotland Scottish seems sense singular sorcery species spectre spirits story suffered supernatural superstition supposed tale terror Thome Reid tion told took torture trial truth usual witchcraft witches Witchfinder witness woman word worship