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Review
This new edition corrects Summers' mistakes, renders the text into readable English, offers a clearer understanding of the original If you want to understand the religious and psychological mindset that created the horrors of the witch hunts then this is essential reading. --The Cauldron
English readers dissatisfied with the infelicities of Montague Summers's 1928 edition and who cannot afford the translation by Christopher Mackay, will be well served by Maxwell-Stuart's readable abridgement, and his substantial introduction. --Canon Michael Perry, Church Times
P. G. Maxwell-Stuart would seem to be an excellent choice to provide an edited translation of the Malleus Maleficarum, possessing as he does the necessary linguistic skills and an unrivalled knowledge of late medieval and early modern magical texts. His translation is deft and supported by sound scholarship. --James Sharpe, THES
English readers dissatisfied with the infelicities of Montague Summers's 1928 edition and who cannot afford the translation by Christopher Mackay, will be well served by Maxwell-Stuart's readable abridgement, and his substantial introduction. --Canon Michael Perry, Church Times
P. G. Maxwell-Stuart would seem to be an excellent choice to provide an edited translation of the Malleus Maleficarum, possessing as he does the necessary linguistic skills and an unrivalled knowledge of late medieval and early modern magical texts. His translation is deft and supported by sound scholarship. --James Sharpe, THES
Product Description
The Malleus Maleficarum is one of the best-known treatises dealing with the problem of what to do with witches. It was written in 1487 by a Dominican inquisitor, Heinrich Institoris, following his failure to prosecute a number of women for witchcraft, it is in many ways a highly personal document, full of frustration at official complacency in the face of a spiritual threat, as well as being a practical guide for law-officers who have to deal with a cunning, dangerous enemy. Combining theological discussion, illustrative anecdotes, and useful advice for those involved in suppressing witchcraft, its influence on witchcraft studies has been extensive. The only previous translation into English, that by Montague Summers produced in 1928, is full of inaccuracies. It is written in a style almost unreadable nowadays, and is unfortunately coloured by his personal agenda. This new edited translation, with an introductory essay setting witchcraft, Institoris, and the Malleus into clear, readable English, corrects Summers' mistakes and offers a lean, unvarnished version of what Institoris actually wrote. It will undoubtedly become the standard translation of this important and controversial late-medieval text.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the new translation of the (in)famous "Malleus Maleficarum", the witchfinder's manual written during the late middle ages by Heinrich Kramer. This new version corrects errors made by earlier translators and provides a fuller, better and more accurate work which is truer to the latin original. The work is abridged in places to avoid repetition and is none the worse for it, although some may feel this slightly undermines its authenticity - however, this is a minor gripe. The introductory essay is well worth reading as it supplies some background and context for "Malleus" and helps the reader to a better understanding of the book and its impact through the ages as a result. The translator's enthusiasm also shines through and Maxwell-Stuart - an expert in the field - allows the book to flow without heavy handed editing which can, and sadly does, mar many an otherwise good book.
If you've already got Montague Summers' translation, then get this one anyway to bring things up to date. Also think about getting Martin Del Rio's "Investigations Into Magic" and Menghi's "The Devil's Scourge" to fully understand the spirit of the age.
Masterful stuff.
If you've already got Montague Summers' translation, then get this one anyway to bring things up to date. Also think about getting Martin Del Rio's "Investigations Into Magic" and Menghi's "The Devil's Scourge" to fully understand the spirit of the age.
Masterful stuff.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is one of those books that we have all heard mention of, but never really get around to reading. After being advised that this was probably the best edition on the market I plumped for this edition. This will never be on the top of anyone's required reading, unless you are studying, or if like me you just find the subject interesting.
P G Maxwell-Stuart, who has translated and edited this edition has made a fine job. The introduction also gives you an insight into what was happening around the time this was written, and how it came about. I won't go into all the details of this book only to say that it is set out as a number of 'questions', which are dealt with in each chapter.
I know that some people need this book for study purposes, but most people like me who don't, then rest assured that there are plenty of footnotes, and it is easy to read, although dealing with weighty subjects. For some authors of historical novels you may find this of use for getting the feel of the times, and with how certain matters were dealt with.
P G Maxwell-Stuart, who has translated and edited this edition has made a fine job. The introduction also gives you an insight into what was happening around the time this was written, and how it came about. I won't go into all the details of this book only to say that it is set out as a number of 'questions', which are dealt with in each chapter.
I know that some people need this book for study purposes, but most people like me who don't, then rest assured that there are plenty of footnotes, and it is easy to read, although dealing with weighty subjects. For some authors of historical novels you may find this of use for getting the feel of the times, and with how certain matters were dealt with.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This edition of The Hammer is far easier to read and, therefore, understand, than those previously in my possession. As this volume is required as a reference text for a University dissertation, this was one on the prime requisites of the purchase.
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