The Last Witch of Langenburg Murder in a German Village

In 1672, Anna Schmieg sent her daughter to her neighbors with a basket of Shrove Tuesday cakes. When one of the recipients died unexpectedly, dark rumors of poisoning and witchcraft followed Anna until the authorities arrested her. Robisheaux (history, Duke Univ.; Rural Society and the Search for Order in Early Modern Germany ) has created a nuanced, in-depth examination of a witch trial based on extensive archival research but written with a general audience in mind. Through the prosecution of Anna, the reader is introduced to the history, government, law, theology, medicine, and folk beliefs of 17th-century Germany. The presentation of the social dynamics underlying witch crazes is illuminating, as are the ways in which Anna´s legend were later appropriated in subsequent centuries, e.g., her portrayal evolved from "poor sinner" to heroine or martyr. The reader might wish for a modern medical opinion on why Anna´s supposed victim died, but this is only a minor omission from a superb work. Suitable for all public and academic libraries.