The medieval handbook “Maleus Malefikarum” was used to execute the supposed witch. Its influence lasted for centuries – including the Salem Witch Trials. Boston Globe via Jonathan Wigs / Getty Images
Books have always had the power to magical readers – figuratively.
However, one of the most popular and notorious books of the 15th and 17th centuries is literally about spells. What the witch does, how to identify it, how to confess, and how to punish it quickly.
Witch hunts sought guidance from “Mareus Malefikarum” or “Witch’s Hammer” amid the frenzy of fear of witches in Europe. The instructions in this book helped convict tens of thousands of people – Almost all women – Those who were executed during the period. Its bloody heritage spread to North America, where 25 “witches” were allegedly killed in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 1600s.
NS Reference librarian Adjunct professor at The General Theological Seminary in New York, I have a rare opportunity to hold Original copy It is part of the “malleus” in my hands and shares part of this history with my students and researchers. Much is written about the content, but the physical book itself is a fascinating proof of history.
Witch 101
“Maleus” was written around 1486 by two Dominican brothers, Johann Spranger and Heinrich Kramer. Their guide In three parts.
The first claim is that the witch actually exists, Magic is heresyAnd not being afraid of the power of the witch is a heretical act. Part 2 provides graphic details about the witch’s sexual deviation. One chapter describes “how a witch mates with a demon known as Incubi”. Incubus was a male demon believed to have sex with a sleeping woman.
It also describes the witch’s ability to turn victims into animals and violence against children. The third and final part provides guidelines on how to cross-examine witches, such as through torture. Let her confess. And finally she was sentenced.
28th edition “Malleus” Published between 1486 and 1600, Definitive guide About years of witchcraft and demonology – and help the witch’s prosecution begin.
Target women
The author of the text reluctantly admits that men can represent the devil, but because women are weak and inherently more sinful, his Perfect target..
Accusations are often made by women, especially those who did not follow their ideals about obedient Christian wives and mothers. In the league with the devil..
The author is “4 horrific crimes Which demon commits to the baby, both in the mother’s womb and thereafter. They accuse the witch of eating a newborn baby, especially suspecting a midwife.
European healers Slave tituba In Salem, it was a convenient scapegoat for social illnesses.
Handheld history
At The General Theological Seminary, anyone interested in looking up a copy of the “Malleus” should book to go to the reading room of the special collection. Books are fragile, so please wash your hands before touching them.
One of the striking aspects is its size. The length of the “malleus” is less than 8 inches and is 190 pages. The book was intended to travel with readers and store in coats and bags.
Our copy Is dated 1492 and was published by Peter Drach, a well-known bookbinding company in Speyer, Germany. This makes it a rare example of an “incunable”, as scholars call European books published before about 1501, the earliest period of printing.
After much wear, this copy was rebounded in leather in the 19th century. A small handwritten note covers most pages. For example, on page 48, a reader numbered three points and wrote the word “fun religious journey” on the other page. Many pages have hand-drawn arrows that point to paragraphs.
Another point to consider when looking at this edition is its source: who has owned it for years. This copy was originally from the Rev collection. Edwin A. DarlympleHe was a pastor of a Virginia school and Episcopal Church in the mid-19th century.Books from his shelf Maryland Diosesan Library Until it enters our library system.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this “malleus” is the bookplate affixed to the back cover, in addition to the text itself. This bookplate states: “It was a handbook of witchcraft persecution in the 15th and 16th centuries. This copy was probably the direct cause of the deaths of many accused of witchcraft, as much as the ax of the chief of that date and most. I have the same interests. “
It is unknown who attached this statement, but the feelings are very true. The “malleus” represents the power of ideas, good or bad.
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Melissa Chim is a member of the Atla Scholarly Communications and Digital Initiatives Committee.
How do you find a witch? This infamous 15th-century book gave instructions and helped execute thousands of women.Lifestyle
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