New Books Network Marion Gibson, "Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials" (Scribner, 2023)
Dec 30, 2025
In a fascinating discussion, Marion Gibson, a history professor at the University of Exeter and an expert on witch trials, dives into her book exploring witchcraft through thirteen pivotal trials. She reveals how accusations have historically targeted marginalized women and examines the motives behind witch-hunters, often deeply rooted in societal fears. Gibson also connects past witchcraft narratives to contemporary political rhetoric and highlights the persistent patterns of scapegoating in today’s society, urging listeners to critically evaluate the concept of modern witch hunts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Witch Trials Reveal Ordinary Voices
- Marion Gibson became fascinated by witch trials because they let obscure, often illiterate people speak about daily life through accusations.
- She highlights accused women as a source for social history rather than only studying elite witch-hunters.
Shared Traits Of Accused And Accusers
- Accused witches are most often women, poor, or socially conspicuous for transgression; accusers can share similar traits.
- Witchcraft accusations often combine fears about fraud, sexuality, and social difference on both sides.
Accusation As Deflection Or Power Tool
- Accusers often stand out or feel threatened and may deflect criticism by accusing others of witchcraft.
- Powerful figures also weaponize witchcraft accusations to scapegoat and distract from their own faults.