Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

First published in this format in 1884, this early chronological account forms a complete overview of the history of witchcraft, "wizardry, and spectral appearances" in Scotland before 1724. An Editorial note introduces the author, Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe (1781-1851), and explains how this present volume was originally written as an introductory chapter to Sharpe's 1819 edition of "Memorialls; or the Memorable Things that fell out within the Island of Brittain from 1638 to 1684 by the Rev. Mr. Robert Law." but came to be regarded as a work which was more important in its own right. A Biographical Sketch of the 'polished and aristocratic', 'capricious and eccentric' author follows, with a good description of the scope of Sharpe's correspondence, literary labours, etchings and collections. The historical account itself is presented in twelve chapters, with an Appendix, the editor's own compilation of a 'Short List of Books on Scottish Witchcraft and Superstition' and an Index.