Satanism and Witchcraft: The Classic Study of Medieval Superstition by Jules MicheletMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fabulous, albeit most likely wholly innacurate rendition of the medieval witch craze. I enjoyed this greatly mainly due to Michelet's truly incandescent narrative flair. The French writers I have read seem to have truly unique and inflammatory voices, often radical and often saturated with a festering nihilism - an abhorence of humanity in all it's grossness and grotesqueness.
This would be enjoyed by anyone who enjoyed Lautreamont or Huysmans, as it surges with a very similar repugnance for human life and revels in the foulness of damned souls, perversions and the black arts, with a philosophical spin.
Michelet creates a wholly original spin on the topic through his choice of presenting the book almost as a fictional account. The story of the witch is developed through the initial half of the book - the latter dealing with analysis of specific French trials. Hugely enjoyable, but to be consumed with a generous pinch of salt (maybe throw it over your shoulder for good luck afterwards).
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