Also known as "The Witch Hammer;" The Malleus Maleficarum was a handbook for hunting and punishing witches-written by Inquisitors HEINRICH KRAMER (c. 1430-1505); an Alsatian clergyman; and JAMES SPRENGER (c. 1436-1494); a Swiss monk-to assist the Inquisition and Church in exterminating undesirables. Mostly a compilation of superstition and folklore; the book was taken very seriously at the time it was written in the 15th century and became a kind of spiritual law book used by judges to determine the guilt of the accused. While some of the articles covered in "The Witch Hammer" are humorous to modern audiences; they were a matter of life and death in the mid-1400's. Anyone interested in religion; the Inquisition; or the witch hunts that ravaged Europe will find this 1928 translation; by MONTAGUE SUMMERS (1880-1948); an unbelievable and enlightening read.
#750515 in Books Hackett Pub Co 2012-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 5.50 x 1.00l; 1.28 #File Name: 160384290X498 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. He freely admits he is not a great writer but is merely trying to tell the story ...By ThanAn incredible story which was almost never written. The author is writing it in response to another book of his time which he continually points out is riddled with falsehoods. Bernal is trying to set the record straight with his account. He freely admits he is not a great writer but is merely trying to tell the story as best he remembers it. The only thing that got confusing was all of the Spanish names and Aztec place names which sort of run together if you try to remember them. Focus more on the main characters and main places when reading it. Though the writer likes Cortes he's not afraid to point out his flaws in many spots. He tries to present the history with all its blemishes as thoroughly as he can remember them. Sometimes he omits specific events or people to not tarnish their image but indicates something happened in some context to change their direction during the conquest.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Abridged versionBy Chris C.I would have put 5 stars but it was abridged; which I do not like and did not notice before I ordered.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Fascinating StoryBy Russ LewisAs the title says; this is the true history of the conquest of New Spain. Fascinating stuff. I first read it about fifty years ago. It was a great read then; and it was a great re-read.
