English Summary/英文概要： A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil’s Handmaidens explores the phenomenon of witch persecution in Scotland between 1563 and 1736. Looking at the influence of the likes of John Knox and James VI of Scotland, this book examines the magic and fairy beliefs that underlay witchcraft and how this became twisted by the Scottish Kirk’s obsession with the Devil.

Using examples from actual trial records and so-called witch confessions, this book explores how societal norms surrounding women caused so many to face the rope and the flames and how those norms were exacerbated by the chaos of the reformation and the wars of the Three Kingdoms. How did the magical beliefs of ordinary people become twisted into Devil worship? And why did so many come to believe this? How did the Scottish church and the courts fall into a frenzy of belief that the Devil was around every corner, causing terror across Lowland Scotland, and how did they extract themselves from that frenzy?

Finally, the book looks at how this period of persecution affected the ordinary people of Scotland and what lessons it might hold for today.

Awards/获奖情况： Rating: 5 out of 5 stars I have always had an interest in the persecution of women (and some men) for witchcraft throughout history. Now following a pagan path I also feel that it’s important to learn about the people who lost their lives to those who believed that the devil was bewitching and using people for their bidding. A History of Scottish Witches is a wonderful read for anyone interested in this intense and violent time in our history. Meticulously researched and presented in an easy to follow and organised fashion this is a must read.-NetGalley, Siobhain McCormick

A very interesting read. I’m not usually a non-fiction person, but decided to branch out of my comfort zone. I learned so much reading this book, and had no idea of the part Faerie/Fairy beliefs played in the history of witchcraft in Scotland, and how much complexities there were in the political and social history of the time.-NetGalley, Elfrida Milne

A History of Scottish Witches serves as an accessible introduction to a dark and unsettling chapter of Scottish history. It will likely appeal to readers with Scottish ancestry, those interested in the history of witch trials and anyone wanting a concise look at the social and cultural forces that contributed to the persecution of women during this period.-NetGalley, FaithfulReviewer 💙💙 Jacqueline M Hale

Mary W. Craig is a Scottish writer and historian. She is a former Carnegie scholar and holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Glasgow. Mary researches and writes about various aspects of the social history of Scotland as well as giving talks, lectures and hosting a podcast, Borders Bletherings, where she explores the history of the Scottish Borders. She has a particular interest in the ordinary Scots persecuted as witches in the late 16th and 17th centuries. Mary is a member of Scottish PEN and is the author of Borders Witch Hunt and Agnes Finnie: the Witch of the Potterrow Port.