Customer Reviews

Masterful Maleficarum - By: Deadletters, 02 Feb 2008
This is the new translation of the (in)famous "Malleus Maleficarum", the witchfinder's manual written during the late middle ages by Heinrich Kramer. This new version corrects errors made by earlier translators & provides a fuller, better & more accurate work which is truer to the latin original. The work is abridgedin places to avoid repetition & is none the worse for it, although some may feel this slightly undermines its authenticity - however, this is a minor gripe. The introductory essay is well worth reading as it supplies some background & context for "Malleus" & helps the reader to a better understanding of the book & its impact through the ages as a result. The translator's enthusiasm also shines through & Maxwell-Stuart - an expertin the field - allows the book to flow without heavy handed editing which can, & sadly does, mar many an otherwise good book.

If you've already got Montague Summers' translation, then get this one anyway to bring things up to date. Also think about getting Martin Del Rio's "Investigations Into Magic" & Menghi's "The Devil's Scourge" to fully understand the spirit of the age.

Masterful stuff.