"The focus of the dictionary is on Western Europe during the late medieval and early modern periods, when the specific idea of diabolical witchcraft developed and the so-called great witch-hunts occurred. Also provided are entries on magic and witchcraft in the early Christian period, as well as the lingering belief in witchcraft in the modern world and the development of the modern, neopagan religion of witchcraft, also knows as Wicca." "For comparative purposes, some entries deal with aspects and systems of magic found in other parts of the world, such as Africa, as well as the New-World practices of Voodoo and Santeria. Important people in the history of witchcraft are examined, from the medieval inquisitors and magistrates who developed the stereotype of the historical witch to the modern developers of Wicca. Also included are legal terms and concepts important to the prosecution of witchcraft, religious and theological concepts, and more popular beliefs and aspects of common folklore and mythology. Geographic entries are also incorporated, discussing the scope of witch-hunting and describing specific examples of major witch-hunts, such as those that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts."--BOOK JACKET.