A hugely important book which I have just started reading again after a gap of 10 years not just for its oft cited historical and social importance in filling in what had hitherto been gaps in the study of early modern English history, but because, possibly more than any other book I have ever read in any area of the humanities, it shows how, as Blake once wrote, 'man must and will have religion'. It shows how the human mind, especially if untempered by any kind of scientific objectivity, will seek to create reality from what little it can work out.
Numerous dark corners and shibboleths are exposed: we have the petty vendettas and realpolitik which informed much of the motivation behind the witch-hunting period; the civil war solution of 'weapon salve', where the victim of a gunshot wound can be cured of their wound if the weapon is located and balm applied to it. (This was at a time when West Europeans were conquering the 'savages' of the New World, incidentally).
So whilst this book is considered a classic in its field and has earned numerous awards through the years, I believe it is actually a far more important book than it has been given credit for. One of the most important books I have ever read, like the works of Joyce, of Henry Chadwick and Erich Auerbach, even of Dante, it stays with you once you have read it. It colours everything after because it shows you, with copious documentary evidence, the magic-inclined workings of the untutored human mind. And that, unfortunately, we are increasingly seeing around us again, are we not? 

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

Although Keith Thomas has a slight tendency to list this was an extremely interesting book, with much detailed research. Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

Astrology, witchcraft, magical healing, divination, ancient prophecies, ghosts, and fairies were taken very seriously by people at all social and economic levels in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century ... Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

I am frustrated by this book and I don't know if it's the Marxist approach that's making me put it down every few pages and sigh dramatically or if it's his inability (unwillingness?) the gender and ... Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

Read this for my major fields. Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

Basic gist seems to be that the church was seen as a source of supernatural power, but was eventually replaced by technology as it became available. Interesting definition of magic: things we do ... Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic (Penguin History)

If you want to know about the history of witches, magic and fairies, this is the undisputed authority. Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

Comprehensive and packed full of statistical information about life (and its perils) during the sixteenth century. I want to read it again, actually. Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic

Remembering Nancy Reagan consulting Indian astrologers, Cheri Blair's friend's enthusiasm for crystal therapy or the British Royal Families continued support for Homoeopathy it's hard to feel ... Read full review

Review: Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

This is one of the great milestones in social history, academically rigorous while being not just readable, but actually exciting. A book about changing beliefs and why it was that people could start ... Read full review