The three documents below include the Papal Bull of 1484, in which the pope provided his blessing and encouragement to witchhunting; an account of some beliefs about witches; and an extract from the Hammer of Witches describing the process of examination and trial. If the twists and turns to produce a confession were not so tragic, they would constitute humor worthy of Kafka.

"Daemonologie" by King of England James I is a treatise on witchcraft and the supernatural, composed in the late 16th century. This work, presented in the form of a dialogue, explores the reality of witchcraft, the activities of witches, and the punitive measures that should be taken against those who practice such black arts. The book serves as a defense of witch-hunts and provides insights into contemporary beliefs about magic, sorcery, and the malevolent forces that are thought to influence human affairs. The beginning of "Daemonologie" sets the stage by addressing the widespread fear of witches during James I's reign, as the author outlines his intent to debunk opposing views that deny the existence of witchcraft and the power of the devil. The dialogue features two characters, Philomathes and Epistemon, who discuss various aspects of witchcraft, starting with its undeniable presence as documented in the Scriptures and real-life confessions. As they debate the nature and effects of magic and witchcraft, they affirm that these practices are dangerous and merit severe consequences, thus establishing a framework for understanding the author's perspective on the supernatural.

Select primary source materials from the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries pertaining to European witch hunts. Available from Hanover Historical Texts Project.

This is the best known (i.e., the most infamous) of the witch-hunt manuals. Written in Latin, the Malleus was first submitted to the University of Cologne on May 9th, 1487. The title is translated as "The Hammer of Witches". Written by James Sprenger and Henry Kramer (of which little is known), the Malleus remained in use for three hundred years. It had tremendous influence in the witch trials in England and on the continent. This translation is in the public domain.

The Discovery of Witches" by Matthew Hopkins is a historical account written in the mid-17th century, during a time when the witch trials were prevalent in England. The book serves as a justification for Hopkins' controversial methods in identifying witches, which he argued were both necessary and effective for the sake of public safety. It primarily focuses on the practice and beliefs surrounding witchcraft, particularly examining the role of confessions and the techniques used to detect witches. In this text, Hopkins responds to numerous queries about his witch-finding practices, defending his actions against accusations of cruelty and incompetence. He discusses his experiences in identifying witches, including the use of physical examinations to find marks of witchcraft, such as "teats" on the body. Throughout the book, he recounts specific cases, detailing how suspected witches were discovered and examined, their confessions, and the common rationalizations for their actions. The work highlights the tumultuous nature of witch hunts and sheds light on the societal fears and misconceptions regarding witchcraft during this period. Hopkins seeks to validate his methods while discrediting challenges to his authority, ultimately portraying himself as a protector of the community against malign forces.

"Discovery of Witches" by Thomas Potts is a historical account written in the early 17th century. The work documents the infamous Pendle witch trials, shedding light on the social and judicial proceedings of the time regarding accusations of witchcraft. It delves into themes of superstition, societal fear, and the legal system's shortcomings when handling such cases, particularly showcasing the lives of the accused witches, notably Old Demdike and Old Chattox. The opening of "Discovery of Witches" sets the stage by discussing the context surrounding witchcraft in early 17th century England, particularly in the Pendle region. Potts evokes a sense of the prevailing societal superstitions, highlighting the dire consequences that befell those accused of witchcraft. He introduces the characters of various accused women, detailing their struggles and the historical circumstances that underpinned the witch hunts. As he recounts the initial arrests and interrogations, Potts subtly critiques the credulity and malice within the community, foreshadowing the tragic fates that await many of the accused as the trial unfolds.

"A Treatise of Witchcraft" by Alexander Roberts is a historical account written in the early 17th century. The work addresses the realities and dangers of witchcraft, providing a detailed discourse on witchcraft practices and a specific case involving a witch named Mary Smith, who was executed for her deeds. The treatise is posted as a warning to Christians about the moral and spiritual dangers of engaging with witchcraft and sorcery. The opening of the text begins by establishing the context of a world threatened by hidden evil, particularly focusing on witchcraft as a manifestation of the devil's work. Alexander Roberts emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to recognize and understand this wicked art through a true account of Mary Smith, who verbally contracted with the devil and caused harm to others. The discussion extends to a broader theological reflection on the existence of witches, the influence of Satan, and the moral implications of these dark practices, setting a foreboding tone that recognizes the dangers to both societal and individual integrity.

Online selecton of titles from Cornell University Library's witchcraft collection, covering the history of superstition and witchcraft persecution in Europe. It documents the earliest and the latest manifestations of the belief in witchcraft as well as its geographical boundaries, and elaborates this history with works on canon law, the Inquisition, torture, demonology, trial testimony, and narratives. The collection focuses on witchcraft as as theology and as religious heresy.