The Discoverie of Witchcraft
The Discoverie of Witchcraft, published in 1584 by the Kentish gentleman Reginald Scot, is the first English book to argue that witchcraft as the prosecutors understood it did not exist. In sixteen books Scot examines the confessions, the trials, the biblical texts and the writings of Bodin and the inquisitors, and finds poor, melancholy old women, credulous judges and plain fraud; a long section exposes the tricks of conjurers and jugglers so that readers may see how wonders are done, and a concluding Discourse on Devils and Spirits questions their bodily existence altogether. This edition of 1886, prepared by Brinsley Nicholson, keeps the original spelling and adds an introduction, Shakespeare notings and a glossary. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Discoverie of Witchcraft
The Discoverie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Discoverie of Witchcraft online?
Yes. The Discoverie of Witchcraft opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Discoverie of Witchcraft free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Discoverie of Witchcraft is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Discoverie of Witchcraft in the public domain?
Yes. The Discoverie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Discoverie of Witchcraft?
About 19 h 53 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Discoverie of Witchcraft?
The Discoverie of Witchcraft by Reginald Scot is filed under "Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
