In more than 500 essays and 100 illustrations, the Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft examines the arts, practices and people associated with witchcraft. Rigorously researched, the volume draws from a broad range of world history, folklore, obscure texts, modern literature and exclusive interviews with witches of today. The popular image of witchcraft dates from the witch hunts of Britain and Europe in the 12th century, but can be applied to such different sects and philosophies as Satanism, Druidism and even astrology, all of which are investigated in this panoramic look at the craft and its practices.