Under the Devil's Spell. Witches, Sorcerers, and the Inquisition in Renaissance Italy

From the fifteenth century to the eighteenth, witch-hunting engulfed Europe. It was believed that witches flew to Black Sabbats, signed pacts with Satan, and worked evil magic to undermine Christian society. Tens of thousands of people, mostly women, were tried, often tortured, and many died at the stake for the crime of diabolical witchcraft and demonic possession.

Under the Devil's Spell: Witches, Sorcerers, and the Inquisition in Renaissance Italy, by SUF Professor Matteo Duni, transports us into the midst of this drama, making the tragic stories of those involved tangible through the translated trial records. We hear about Don Guglielmo Campana, the fearsome wizard-priest, the enchantress Anastasia, and the country healer Brighento Brighenti.

Under the Devil's Spell is the second volume highlighting the academic work of SUF faculty and professional staff in The Villa Rossa Series: Intercultural Perspectives on Italy and Europe.