The original and authoritative A-to-Z reference guide to witchcraft, paganism, and magic, compiled by the famed nineteenth-century French occultist. Following its original publication in 1818, Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal became a landmark study of witchcraft, pagan religions, and the occult. The first reference work to seriously document manifestations, magic, and superstitions, this historical dictionary details beings, characters, books, deeds, and causes that pertain to the manifestations and magic of trafficking with Hell, as well as divinations, occult sciences, grimoires, marvels, errors, prejudices, traditions, folktales, the various superstitions, and all manner of marvelous, surprising, mysterious, and supernatural beliefs. A significant influence on the Romantic literary movement and notably consulted by author Victor Hugo, it remains an essential text for any student of the dark arts or demonology.

Witchcraft has proven an important, if difficult, historical subject to investigate and interpret over the last four decades or so. Modern historical research into witchcraft began as an attempt to tease out the worldview of ordinary people in 16th- and 17th-century England, but it quickly expanded to encompass the history of witchcraft in most cultures and societies that have existed with scholarly studies now extending back to the time of earliest law code that punished sorcery, the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi (1792-1750 B.C.E.), and forward to the last witchcraft cases in England, those of Helen Duncan and Jane Yorke, tried in 1944. There has also been a significant amount of interest in the development of the modern religion of witchcraft, or Wicca, as various forms of neo-paganism continue to attract adherents. The second edition of Historical Dictionary of Witchcraft covers the history of the Witchcraft from 1750 B.C.E. though the modern day. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on witch hunts, witchcraft trials, and related practices around the world. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the history of witchcraft.

Separating truth from myth, an expert offers an A to Z guide to one of the most intriguing aspects of the super-natural. Hundreds of carefully researched articles provide explanations of the key concepts of witchcraft, from demons and exorcisms to sabbats and spells, as well as fascinating biographies of key figures. Articles on witch trials through the centuries draw on records of torture, confessions, and recantations.

Wiccan Author Erik Ravenswood's latest release explores the world of Wicca, Witchcraft and the Metaphysical. The Dictionary of Wicca, Witchcraft and Magick," presents an indispensable guide to entering the world of Magick and Metaphysical and explanations for daily use. Ravenswood's release is a one stop quick reference book and is a huge storehouse of information for anyone beginning or in need of information, about magick and spell-casting. Magick is within us all and finding your way to tune into it requires knowledge. This book offers the knowledge to understand the meanings behind and the terminology used. There is a little something for every Pagan, Wiccan, or Witch to use in daily or celebrations of life in "The Dictionary of Wicca, Witchcraft and Magick." Included are many different subject areas and full explanations of what they are and how they are used. They include: Wiccan, Witchcraft and Magickal Terms, A Divination Dictionary, The Symbolism of Crystals, The Symbolism of Birds and Animals, The Symbolism of Trees, Plants, and Herbs, The Symbolism of Incense and Essential Oils, The Symbolism of Colors, and The Symbolism of Gods and Angels.

"This complete self-study course in modern Wicca is a treasured classic - an essential and trusted guide that belongs in every witch's library."---Back cover

The only single-volume, scholarly reference work available on this subject, this dictionary provides reliable information on magic and witchcraft for the entire span of western history, from classical antiquity to modern Wicca. Particular attention is paid to the history of witchcraft in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, the era of the great witch-hunts.