The anthology 'The True Story vs. Myth of Witchcraft' offers a profound exploration into the intricate tapestry of historical truth and folklore surrounding witchcraft. Through a diverse collection of narratives ranging from scholarly essays to personal accounts, the volume traverses the broad spectrum of literary styles, presenting the subject matter from various angles. This carefully curated selection not only uncovers the historical realities of witchcraft accusations and trials but also delves into the mythologized versions of these events, standing out as a testament to the multifaceted nature of human belief and fear across cultures and epochs. The contributors, an illustrious ensemble of authors including Bram Stoker, Charles Mackay, and more, bring a wealth of perspectives to the anthology. Their backgrounds as pioneers of literature, history, and science lend the collection an authoritative voice that is both enlightening and engrossing. Hailing from different centuries and cultural contexts, these authors collectively span a wide array of literary movements, from Romanticism to Realism, offering insights into the evolution of societal attitudes towards witchcraft. This thematic diversity enriches the reader's comprehension of witchcraft's complex legacy. 'The True Story vs. Myth of Witchcraft' is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to dissect the layers of history and folklore that have shaped our understanding of witchcraft. It promises a rich, educational experience, inviting readers to engage with a historical dialogue that is as nuanced as it is fascinating. This anthology not only serves as an academic tool but also as a nexus of narratives that challenge, entertain, and inspire curiosity about the darker corners of humanity's past.

Witch, Warlock, and Magician by William Henry Davenport Adams was first published in 1889. Magic and the occult have a long history in Britain, with alchemists such as Roger Bacon, astrologers such as William Lilly, and occultists such as John Dee (a favourite with Queen Elizabeth I). Of course, there is also the less savoury side of that history - the witch hunts and trials of the 16th century. This book explores a select few notable figures in the world of magic, as well as discussing the history of witchcraft. Chapters include: Roger Bacon: The True And The Legendary; The Story Of Dr. John Dee; Dr. Dee’s Diary; Magic And Imposture: A Couple Of Knaves; The Last Of The English Magicians: William Lilly; English Rosicrucians; Early History Of Witchcraft In England; Witchcraft In England In The Seventeenth Century; The Decline Of Witchcraft In England; The Witches Of Scotland; and, The Literature Of Witchcraft.

Musaicum Books presents to you this unique collection of books about witchcraft, witch trials, magic, sorcery legends, supernatural, demonology and occult practice: Introduction: The Superstitions of Witchcraft The Devil in Britain and America Witchcraft in Europe: History of Magic and Witchcraft: Magic and Witchcraft Lives of the Necromancers Witch, Warlock, and Magician Irish Witchcraft and Demonology Practitioners of Magic & Witchcraft and Clairvoyance Mary Schweidler, the Amber Witch Sidonia, the Sorceress La Sorcière: The Witch of the Middle Ages Tales & Legends: Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland Witch Stories Studies: The Witch Mania The Witch-cult in Western Europe Witchcraft and Superstitious Record in the South-Western District of Scotland Modern Magic Witchcraft in America: Salem Trials: The Wonders of the Invisible World Salem Witchcraft Salem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather A Short History of the Salem Village Witchcraft Trials An Account of the Witchcraft Delusion at Salem in 1682 House of John Procter, Witchcraft Martyr, 1692 Studies: The Salem Witchcraft, the Planchette Mystery, and Modern Spiritualism The Witchcraft Delusion in Colonial Connecticut (1647-1697) Witchcraft of New England Explained by Modern Spiritualism On Witchcraft: Glimpses of the Supernatural – Witchcraft and Necromancy Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft

ÊThe belief in a good and evil influence has existed from the earliest ages, in every nation having a religion. The Egyptians had theirÊTypho, the Assyrians theirÊTi-a-matÊ(the Serpent), the Hebrews theirBeelzebub, orÊPrince of Flies,Êand the Scandinavians theirÊLoki. And many religions teach that the evil influence has a stronger hold upon mankind than the good influenceÑso great, indeed, as to nullify it in a large degree. Christianity especially teaches this: ÔEnter ye by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many be they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few be they that find it.Õ This doctrine of the great power of the Devil, or evilÊinfluence over man, is preached from every pulpit, under every form of Christianity, throughout the world; and although at the present time it is only confined to the greaterÊmoralÊpower of the Devil over man, at an earlier period it was an article of belief that he was able to exercise a greaterÊphysicalÊpower. This was coincident with a belief in his personality; and it is only in modern times that that personality takes an alluring form. In the olden days the Devil was always depicted as ugly and repulsive as the artist could represent him, and yet he could have learned a great deal from the modern Chinese and Japanese. The Ôgreat God Pan,Õ although he was dead, was resuscitated in order to furnish a type for Ôthe Prince of DarknessÕ; and, accordingly, he was portrayed with horns, tail and cloven feet, making him an animal, according to aÊmotÊattributed to Cuvier, Ôgraminivorous, and decidedly ruminantÕ; while, to complete his classicalÊensemble, he was invested with the forked sceptre of Pluto, only supplemented with another tine.