Demonic Possession and Exorcism
In Early Modern France
1st Edition
Published on 11. January 2013
240 pages
978-1-134-61520-9 (ISBN)
Description
This is a highly original study of demon possession and the ritual of exorcism, both of which were rife in early modern times, and which reached epidemic proportions in France.
Catholics at the time believed that the Devil was everywhere present, in the rise of the heretics, in the activities of witches, and even in the bodies of pious young women. The rite of exorcism was intended to heal the possessed and show the power of the Church - but it generated as many problems as it resolved. Possessed nuns endured frequently violent exorcisms, exorcists were suspected of conjuring devils, and possession itself came to be seen as a form of holiness, elevating several women to the status of living saints.
Sarah Ferber offers a challenging study of one of the most intriguing phenomena of early modern Europe. Looking towards the present day, the book also argues that early modern conflicts over the Devil still carry an unexpected force and significance for Western Christianity.
Catholics at the time believed that the Devil was everywhere present, in the rise of the heretics, in the activities of witches, and even in the bodies of pious young women. The rite of exorcism was intended to heal the possessed and show the power of the Church - but it generated as many problems as it resolved. Possessed nuns endured frequently violent exorcisms, exorcists were suspected of conjuring devils, and possession itself came to be seen as a form of holiness, elevating several women to the status of living saints.
Sarah Ferber offers a challenging study of one of the most intriguing phenomena of early modern Europe. Looking towards the present day, the book also argues that early modern conflicts over the Devil still carry an unexpected force and significance for Western Christianity.
Reviews / Votes
'Ferber's book is ... both an excellent introduction to the spiritual world of early modern France and an incisive and persuasive contribution to the cutting edge of early modern history.' - Marion Gibson, Renaissance Studies'A profound and intelligent analysis of the ends to which exorcism was put in France in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries ... Well-informed and sensitive, is a true contribution to our knowledge of the subject.' - The Heythrop Journal
'original and penetrating analysis of cases of possession and exorcism' - Journal of Ecclesiastical History
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
2 s/w Zeichnungen
2 Line drawings, black and white
File size
5,27 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-134-61520-9 (9781134615209)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
05/2004
1st Edition
Routledge
€63.30
Shipment within 15-20 days
Book
04/2004
1st Edition
Routledge
€206.40
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Sarah Ferber is Lecturer in History at the University of Queensland, Australia. She teaches early modern history, and the history of modern bioethics.
Content
Chapter 1 Introduction; Part 1 Part; Chapter 2 Scepticism and Catholic reform; Chapter 3 'Into the realm of the senses'; Chapter 4 Marthe Brossier; Part 2 Part; Chapter 5 Priestcraft and witchcraft; Chapter 6 The trial of Louis Gaufridy; Chapter 7 Fighting fire with fire?; Part 3 Part; Chapter 8 Ecstasy, possession, witchcraft; Chapter 9 'God's witches'; Chapter 10 Conclusion;
