2011 is the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. James, pious and superstitious, was terrified that Witches were out to kill him. Earlier, in 1597, James wrote a book illuminating his fears that resulted from his research into the supposed truths of Witchcraft, necromancy, ghosts, demons, possession, and exorcism. That book was called Demonology.

It was during James’ reign that English Witch persecutions took place. He passed the Witchcraft Statute (1604) that was the basis for the Salem Witch trials. To understand the causes of English and American Witch persecutions you must understand James’ book—which, due to the archaic language, is difficult to do.

Now, Donald Tyson presents a modern English and fully annotated version of Demonology (and the previous News from Scotland about earlier Witch trials). This is a must for all Pagans, Witches, Wiccans, and historians. Tyson’s introduction describes James and the milieu. The full original texts are included.