Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900: A Sourcebook Kivelson, Valerie A
Kivelson, Valerie A; , Worobec, Christine DStock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.
Unearth centuries of hidden Russian and Ukrainian witchcraft, from ancient spells to harrowing trials.
This groundbreaking volume offers the first systematic exploration of witchcraft, its legal frameworks, and associated trials across Russia and Ukraine from the medieval period through the late nineteenth century. It masterfully interweaves insightful scholarly commentary with a treasure trove of previously untranslated primary documents, including ancient laws, complete trial transcripts, and numerous magical incantations. This unique compilation not only sheds light on the evolution of legal systems and the intricate dance between church and state but also provides intimate glimpses into the daily lives and powerful magical beliefs of the era.
This volume anchors itself within the scholarly tradition of Eastern European history and legal anthropology, specifically examining the intersection of folk magic, Orthodox church authority, and state law in Russia and Ukraine. It serves as a critical resource for understanding the historical development of esoteric practices under imperial and pre-imperial regimes.
📝 Description: Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900: A Sourcebook Kivelson, Valerie A
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This book is an invaluable resource for serious scholars, students of Slavic studies, and those deeply invested in the comparative history of European witchcraft. By providing previously untranslated primary documents alongside systematic scholarly commentary, it offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the legal frameworks and daily magical lives of Russia and Ukraine from 1000 to 1900. Readers seeking to understand the intricate dance between church and state, or those researching the evolution of incantations and trials, will find this sourcebook indispensable for its depth and breadth of accessible historical evidence.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Kivelson and Worobec have produced a rigorous academic compilation that prioritizes documentary evidence over narrative flair. While it is an essential reference for specialists in Russian and Ukrainian legal history or ecclesiastical studies, it may disappoint readers seeking a popular, accessible narrative of witchcraft. The text is dense with legal frameworks and untranslated source material, making it unsuitable for casual hobbyists or those looking for straightforward storytelling. It demands patience and academic interest, serving best as a research tool rather than leisure reading.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're drawn to the enigmatic world of Eastern European magic, legal history, or the societal impact of witchcraft accusations, this meticulous volume offers unparalleled insight. It's essential for anyone seeking a deep dive into historical occult practices and their profound cultural ramifications.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Legal Systems & Witchcraft
Explore the intricate development of legal responses to sorcery, from early decrees to complex trial procedures. This book meticulously details how accusations were handled, penalties imposed, and the state's evolving role in defining and prosecuting magical practices across centuries of Eastern European history.
Church, State, & Magic
Delve into the often-tense relationship between ecclesiastical and secular authorities concerning witchcraft and possession. The work illuminates how religious dogma and state law intersected, conflicted, and influenced each other in attempts to control and interpret supernatural phenomena within the region.
Daily Life & Enchantment
Gain a vivid understanding of how magic permeated everyday existence for ordinary people. Through translated spells and trial testimonies, discover the practical applications of sorcery for love, protection, or harm, and how these beliefs shaped the social fabric of Russian and Ukrainian communities.
💬 Quotes from the book
“She did confess, under duress, to brewing a love philter from mandrake root and the hair of the accused.”
“From the flowing river, grant me strength; from the ancient forest, give me wisdom. So mote it be, for power and protection.”
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Sorcery
- Possession
- Primary Sources
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How do the depictions of witchcraft in this Eastern European context compare or contrast with your understanding of Western European witch trials?
- Reflect on the interplay between state law and religious doctrine in shaping responses to perceived magic. What does this reveal about societal control?
- Considering the inclusion of actual spells, what insights do these practical magical workings offer into the everyday concerns and spiritual beliefs of the time?
📖 From the series “Niu Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies”
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