New Books Network Alison Rowlands, "Witchcraft Narratives in Germany: Rothenburg, 1561-1652" (Manchester UP, 2026)
Jan 21, 2026
Alison Rowlands, a Professor of Early Modern European History at the University of Essex, delves into her acclaimed work on witchcraft narratives in Rothenburg, detailing unprecedented archival research. She discusses the unique context of Rothenburg’s restrained witch trials and the social dynamics that fueled accusations. Topics include the careful caution surrounding public accusations, the distinction between harmful magic and elite fears of devil pacts, and how maternal roles influenced perceptions of witchcraft. Rowlands also shares insights on children's testimonies and the factors that prevented mass witch panics.
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Rich Archives Enable Deep Microhistory
- Rotenburg's archive preserves unusually detailed witch trial records, letting historians reconstruct individuals' lives and local context.
- Alison Rowlands uses microhistory to treat accused people as full individuals rather than abstract statistics.
Popular Caution Reduced Accusations
- People in Rotenburg believed in harmful magic but were cautious about publicly accusing neighbors because accusations could lead to slander charges.
- That popular reluctance reduced the number of formal prosecutions and limited escalations into mass trials.
Elite Skepticism As A Restraint
- Rotenburg's councillors distrusted certainty about witchcraft, fearing the devil could deceive them into executing innocents.
- That elite skepticism functioned within a religious framework and encouraged legal caution.
