Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft

The book Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft Addressed to J. G. Lockhart, Esq. written by Sir Walter Scott and published in 1830, comprises ten sections, each of which is presented in the form of a letter from Sir Walter Scott to his son-in-law, J. Lockhart, G.

The discursive, conversational writing style Scott uses makes the book easy to read. With many examples of specific cases, he provides a thorough overview of beliefs in demonology and witchcraft from the time of the Old Testament up until the 19th century. He also takes into account the myths of the various Germanic peoples, as well as occult subjects, including brownies, elves, ghosts, fairies, and second sight.

Scott observes that the belief in supernatural phenomena is the result of ignorance and prejudice, which was ultimately overcome by the development of rationalist philosophy in the 18th century. He notes that heretics and other political outcasts were frequently the targets of witchcraft prosecutions.

Although some pockets of superstition still exist, scientific advancements and the development of rational thinking during the eighteenth century eventually undermined the belief in supernatural phenomena. Scott’s account is replete with interesting anecdotes and folktales, yet he tackles his subjects in an analytical, rationalist manner as expected of a child of the Enlightenment.