Synthesizing the evidence for magic and witchcraft in 16th-century Scotland, this book profiles unpublished manuscripts, 19th- and early-20th-century transcriptions, and passing remarks in the histories of shires and boroughs. Preliminary suggestions are made about how these sources can be interpreted, so that nature scholars of Scottish witchcraft in particular will be able to more easily construct their theories with the analyses provided.

This book is a collection of essays on Scottish witchcraft and witch-hunting, which covers the whole period of the Scottish witch-hunt, from the mid-16th century to the early 18th. It particularly emphasizes the later stages, since scholars are now as keen to explain why witch-hunting declined as why it occurred. There are studies of particular witchcraft panics, including a reassessment of the role of King James VI. The book thus covers a wide range of topics concerned with Scottish witch-hunting - and also places it in the context of other topics: gender relations, folklore, magic and healing, and moral regulation by church and state.

Taking an interdisciplinary perspective, Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment represents the first in-depth investigation of Scottish witchcraft and witch belief post-1662, the period of supposed decline of such beliefs, an age which has been referred to as the 'long eighteenth century', coinciding with the Scottish Enlightenment. The late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries were undoubtedly a period of transition and redefinition of what constituted the supernatural, at the interface between folk belief and the philosophies of the learned. For the latter the eradication of such beliefs equated with progress and civilization but for others, such as the devout, witch belief was a matter of faith, such that fear and dread of witches and their craft lasted well beyond the era of the major witch-hunts. This study seeks to illuminate the distinctiveness of the Scottish experience, to assess the impact of enlightenment thought upon witch belief, and to understand how these beliefs operated across all levels of Scottish society.

This is the ideal guide to the whole route, so rich in history and natural beauty. Designed to be used by walkers on the Path or visitors to any point along it, it introduces a wealth of castles, churches, harbors, monuments and red-roofed houses. Hamish Brown gives practical advice on all aspects of walking the Path, whether you are making a seven-day trip along its whole length or walking a short section on a Sunday afternoon. Revising his earlier guide to the route, he explores every part of the Fife coast, including the famous Forth bridges, the charming East Neuk fishing villages of Pittenweem, Elie and St Monans, as well as Anstruther, Crail and St Andrews. Along the way he provides a mass of fascinating information about people and places that can be read for pleasure and kept as the souvenir of a unique and unforgettable part of Scotland.

This book brings together twelve studies that collectively provide an overview of the main issues of live interest in Scottish witchcraft. As well as fresh studies of the well-established topic of witch-hunting, the book also launches an exploration of some of the more esoteric aspects of magical belief and practice.

The history of burial in Fife’s graveyards and cemeteries. This fascinating portrait of life and death in Fife over the centuries will appeal to both residents and visitors to this region of Scotland.

This insightful volume details the horrifying witchcraft trials that were conducted in Fife, Scotland, through the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. Fife was the worst affected region of Scotland during the country’s witch trials between the 1500s and 1700s. The volume is a fantastic insight into the horror of these trials in which an estimated 380 people were accused of practising sorcery. Most of these were women who were then subjected to torture and execution. Uncover the dark history of this ancient county and learn about the appalling history of witchcraft trials.