About the author
Thomas Alfred Spalding is the author of Elizabethan Demonology, a study of the beliefs about spirits, witches, and the supernatural current in England during the Elizabethan era, examined largely through the era's literature, including the plays of Shakespeare. The book surveys how demons, witchcraft, and related supernatural concepts appear in Elizabethan drama and popular belief, treating them as a window onto the period's worldview rather than as a live system to be practiced. It is a work of literary and historical scholarship rather than an occult manual. The edition offered here comes from Tredition Classics, part of a series that reprints out-of-print classical-literature titles to keep older scholarly and literary works accessible. The book suits readers of Shakespeare and Elizabethan literature, as well as those interested in the history of English beliefs about the supernatural, more than readers seeking a general introduction to demonology.
📖 Where to start with Thomas Alfred Spalding
💬 What our editors say about Thomas Alfred Spalding's books
“Spalding’s text serves as a dense, academic survey of Elizabethan demonology rather than a narrative history. While it excels in analyzing theological treatises and legal frameworks, readers seeking dramatic storytelling or…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Elizabethan Demonology
“Spalding’s text is a rigorous academic exercise that demands patience from its audience. While it offers a comprehensive dissection of demonic concepts and their societal impact, it may not suit casual readers seeking narrative…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Elizabethan Demonology
