The Scourge of Demons: Possession, Lust, and Witchcraft in a Seventeenth-Century Italian Convent

by Jeffrey R. Watt

Overview

A fascinating examination of alleged demon possession and witchcraft in a seventeenth-century convent in Carpi, Italy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580462983
Publisher:	BOYDELL & BREWER INC
Publication date:	04/15/2009
Series:	Changing Perspectives on Early Modern Europe Series , #12
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

JEFFREY R. WATT is the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Professor of History at the University of Mississippi.

Table of Contents

Nuns, Witchcraft, and the Inquisition
Female Religious, Claustration, and Santa Chiara of Carpi
The Outbreak and Maleficia
The Confessor and Love Magic
The Exorcists and the Demons
Sisters Dealta and Ippolita under Attack
Bellacappa's Defense
The Waning of the Possessions

Editorial Reviews

Whereas the fifteenth- and sixteenth-century records of the Inquisition of Modena have attracted considerable attention, the extensive documentation pertaining to the seventeenth century remains largely unexplored. Watt's analysis of these later records is therefore a timely addition to the burgeoning field of Inquisition studies.

RENAISSANCE QUARTERLY - Tamar Herzig

This adept study has succeeded in finally placing the nuns' experiences in their full context. Watt has provided an expert and comprehensive study of one important case, presented as a laudably compelling read.

JOURNAL OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY

A solid microhistorical study, persuasively arguing that possession and witchcraft were 'cultural phenomena'. [.] The book is a welcome contribution that enhances our knowledge of the less-studied territory of the seventeenth-century activities of the Modenese Inquisition.

CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY

Stimulating and sound [.] a welcome addition to the ever-growing list of studies on the social and religious history of early modern Europe. Recommended.

CHOICE

Thoroughly examines a compelling case of possession and witchcraft in a wealthy convent in Carpi in the 1630s. [.] The story unfolds gradually with a narrative style, and historiographical debates are smoothly brought into the account.

HISTORIANS OF WOMEN RELIGIOUS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND

Absorbing, illuminating and scholarly[...] Watt's gift for historical narrative is remarkable [...] This book is a major contribution to historical understanding of post-Tridentine religious life. It has shifted our perspective and broadened our understanding of female convent life. This book is an exemplar of broad and deep research and careful analysis of the sources. It is a brilliant example of historical narrative. It should be read and admired by scholars, assigned to students and enjoyed by readers interested in early modern European religious and gender studies.

JOURNAL OF CHURCH HISTORY

An impressive and even exemplary job of archival scholarship that will be of interest to scholars of witchcraft and possession, and of Inquisitorial processes.

SIXTEENTH CENTURY JOURNAL

A solid microhistorical study, persuasively arguing that possession and witchcraft were "cultural phenomena". [.] The book is a welcome contribution that enhances our knowledge of the less-studied territory of the seventeenth-century activities of the Modenese Inquisition. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY

Thoroughly examines a compelling case of possession and witchcraft in a wealthy convent in Carpi in the 1630s. [.] The story unfolds gradually with a narrative style, and historiographical debates are smoothly brought into the account. HISTORIANS OF WOMEN RELIGIOUS OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND

Absorbing, illuminating and scholarly[...] Watt's gift for historical narrative is remarkable [...] This book is a major contribution to historical understanding of post-Tridentine religious life. It has shifted our perspective and broadened our understanding of female convent life. This book is an exemplar of broad and deep research and careful analysis of the sources. It is a brilliant example of historical narrative. It should be read and admired by scholars, assigned to students and enjoyed by readers interested in early modern European religious and gender studies. JOURNAL OF CHURCH HISTORY

This adept study has succeeded in finally placing the nuns' experiences in their full context. Watt has provided an expert and comprehensive study of one important case, presented as a laudably compelling read. JOURNAL OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY

Whereas the fifteenth- and sixteenth-century records of the Inquisition of Modena have attracted considerable attention, the extensive documentation pertaining to the seventeenth century remains largely unexplored. Watt's analysis of these later records is therefore a timely addition to the burgeoning field of Inquisition studies. RENAISSANCE QUARTERLY [Tamar Herzig]

Stimulating and sound [.] a welcome addition to the ever-growing list of studies on the social and religious history of early modern Europe. Recommended. CHOICE

An impressive and even exemplary job of archival scholarship that will be of interest to scholars of witchcraft and possession, and of Inquisitorial processes. SIXTEENTH CENTURY JOURNAL

From the Publisher