First published in 1584, The Discoverie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot stands as a landmark in the history of rational thought. A bold and controversial work in its time, Scot’s book was one of the earliest to openly challenge the belief in witchcraft and the brutal persecution of supposed witches. While its aim was to expose superstition and theological excess, it also preserves an extraordinary array of magical practices, conjurations, and folk beliefs—making it an essential source for anyone interested in the occult traditions of early modern Europe.
Scot’s work is not merely critical but compassionate. He wrote out of a deep moral concern for the unjust treatment of the vulnerable, particularly women, under the guise of religious orthodoxy. He placed blame squarely on the shoulders of the Roman Catholic Church and influential demonologists such as Jean Bodin and the authors of the Malleus Maleficarum. In contrast, he aligned himself with the more skeptical and humanist views of thinkers like Agrippa and Weyer.
This fine edition of The Discoverie of Witchcraft has been crafted with care and attention to detail:
Dimensions: 245 × 175 mm (9.65 × 6.89 inches)
Length: 600 pages
Paper: Printed on premium Fedrigoni paper—renowned for its quality and environmental commitment
Binding: Luxurious cloth-structured cover in Fedrigoni Imitlin paper
Finishing: Gold gilded edges and elegant foil detailing
Extras: Two high-quality ribbon bookmarks
Edition: Each copy is hand-numbered—a unique collector’s item
Both a historical document and a powerful statement of early modern scepticism, The Discoverie of Witchcraft remains a captivating and enduring work.