About this Event
Join historian Steven Veerapen for a Halloween talk exploring the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters. From mass trials under King James VI and I to the death of the witch-hunting phenomenon, this event traces where our perception of witches – good and bad – came from.
Steven will discuss the new edition of his book 'Witches: A King's Obsession'. He will explore what motivated widespread belief in demonic witchcraft, what caused mass panics, and what led to the witch's relegation to fantasy and the fringes of society.
With Halloween just around the corner, the event will also tap into today's fascination with witches. Expect light-hearted analysis of pop-culture witches, from Hermione Granger to Wanda Maximoff and Elphaba.
The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A.
About the speaker
Steven Veerapen was born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and a Mauritian father. He is a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde and the author of several books, including 'The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I', 'Witches: A King's Obsession', and 'Overlord: The Life and Reign of Henry VIII'.
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Event venue & nearby stays
National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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