Double, double toil and trouble
In July 2024, we were lucky enough to host three work experience students. As part of their placements, they looked to our collections for books about witches, in preparation for October's Book of the Month blog. Each used our library catalogue to locate a book that took their interest, carried out research and wrote up their findings.
Toby from Isca Academy chose:
John Callow, The last witches of England : a tragedy of sorcery and superstition, (2022). Classmark AD/BID 398 CAL.
This is what he found out . . .
About the author
John Callow is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Suffolk, UK, and has written many books on the cultural and general history, as well as myth, of civil war era Britain.
About the book
“The Last Witches of England” is primarily a book about the trial and circumstances surrounding the last witch trial in England; that of the Bideford witches. Through this it further explores the ideas of superstition, fear and class discrimination which eventually led to the trial and execution of the three Bideford ‘witches’. Callow emphasises the reality of witch trials and their prosecution was generally focused on poor, unmarried or divorced women.
What did he like and dislike about the book?
I love how the book is written like an appealing story but is still able to portray all the factual evidence. In a way it feels like reading a documentary which has been given great thought into its format.
The book is made to look appealing with the illustrations and images placed to provide further detail for aforementioned information.
How does the book describe witches?
The book describes witches as the financially and socially needy who were abandoned or shunned by their fellows, in stark contrast to the more usual stereotypical witch on a broomstick with a black cat. However, it keeps in line with the modern interpretation of historical ‘witches’ and their persecution. The three accused witches are described as being united by “their poverty in the midst of plenty” on page 33 as well as being repeatedly described as being part of the “Dole” payment in chapter 1.
Why are people so interested in witches?
Generally people would be interested in reading about witches to expand their knowledge of the Early Modern and Late Medieval periods, for a fun and ‘spooky’ read or even for the purpose of learning more about the discrimination faced by women and the disadvantaged of society in the past.
Does the book tell us anything about how the author or the society that they lived in thought about women?
From this book I have further reinforced my understanding that there were very strict, set expectations of people, especially women, in the restoration and early modern period. And that if women did not conform to these they would be shunned and in many unfortunate cases tried and executed for being unable to or unwilling to conform to such high expectations, despite the subtle beginnings of social reform in Britain.
Amelie from St James’ School looked at:
J. H. Wade, The witch of Dartmoor : a story of bygone times, (1932). Classmark S.W. Heritage 1932 WAD.
This is what she found out . . .
About the author
Joseph Henry Wade was born in Newport, Wales in 1861. His family was from Herefordshire but moved to China and back before he was born, although his older brother George was born there. He was educated at the university college in Cardiff. He then moved to Somersetshire in the 1890s after getting married. He was a vicar who also wrote books. Before writing “The witch of Dartmoor” in 1932, he wrote books such as “Rambles in Devon” and “Somerset (the little guides)”, the latter he wrote with his brother, George.
About the book
The book is about a place in Devon and it follows the story of Reuben Prout, a farmer who lives there, as well as other people living nearby, including the so called “Witch of Dartmoor”. There are quite a few plot twists, a bit of romance, and excitement!
What did she like or dislike about the book?
What I like about the look of the book is it seems like there’s a bit of everything in it so it would appeal to a wide audience, and it mentions lots of local places that people would be familiar with.
What I dislike about the book is that it sort of tricks you because it looks short and easy to read but it’s actually quite long.
What did the book remind Amelie of?
It reminds me of a performance I once saw by some university students for their final exam, at the DEI.
Amelie found this quote about the witch
“The old woman rocked herself to and fro in almost demoniacal laughter”
Amelie thought that people were interested in witches because . . .
It’s something that is a bit of a mystery and intrigues people.
Does the book tell us anything about how the author or the society that they lived in thought about women?
The main roles of women in the book are caregivers, other than the witch who is portrayed as rude and ugly.
Edward from Colyton Grammar chose:
Sir Walter Scott, Letters on demonology and witchcraft : addressed to J.G. Lockhart, Esq., (1830). D 42.20.
This is what he found out . . .
About the author
Sir Walter Scott was born on 15th Aug. 1771 in Edinburgh, child of Anne Rutherford & Walter Scott. He caught polio as a young child, damaging his health and making his right leg lame, even though he received early treatment. He spent time with his grandparents & Aunt Janet, who he called Jenny, in the countryside for his health, where they, especially his aunt, encouraged him in reading & writing. He qualified as a lawyer in 1792, and made a living as an advocate & translator of German works. Later, he wrote poems, historical novels – he invented the genre with Waverley – & was a silent partner in his friend’s publishing house, John Ballantyne & Co.
About the book
‘Letters on demonology and witchcraft’ is a text that surveys opinions of the supernatural, from Biblical to (Scott’s) present day. He uses rational arguments (including about the Biblical content, although he does treat it as fact to be interpreted in the right way) & includes numerous anecdotes, to the point where the book can be read as a collection of anecdotes with analysis, rather than vice versa. He also examines Scottish criminal trials for witchcraft, and notes the unfairness towards the defendant.
What did he like and dislike about the book?
An interesting subject, and he makes good, well-supported points, but it is very piecemeal – there is no overarching structure, or even a conclusion & it is a pain to find anything. It would be good to read cover-to-cover, but it could never be used as a reference.
The cover is lovely – the card has a beautiful feathered pattern.
The frontispiece is lovely, although doesn’t seem to relate to the book (possibly advertising the publisher’s prints?).
Did the book remind him of any other books or films?
Letters used for effect reminds me of epistolary novels, especially early gothic ones, such as ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’, or ‘Dracula’*. Any further comparison would require me to have read more witch- and demon-related books.
* The subject similarity is probably what brought them specifically to mind
How does the book describe witches?
It takes a slightly dismissive attitude to alleged witches, and describes the conviction and burning of Bessie Dunlop as “the tragic conclusion to a curious tale.” Expressing sympathy for witches, noting that even generous acts done by witchcraft were illegal, & couldn’t gain a witch a lighter sentence. The attitude is similar to most modern accounts, but ignores the sexism often behind the charge
Why are people are so interested in witches?
It allows them to be scared, and try to feel what people on both sides of the accusations were feeling, but still feel safe, as most people (now & in 1830) disbelieve accounts of witches & demons.
Does the book tell us anything about how the author or the society that they lived in thought about women?
Yes, it tells us about the attitudes towards women by how it almost entirely ignores any discussion of the interaction between sexism & (accusations of) witchcraft, despite it being a major part of the subject.