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Mary Schweidler, the amber witch / The most interesting trial for witchcraft ever known, printed from an imperfect manuscript by her father, Abraham Schweidler, the pastor of Coserow in the island of Usedom / edited by W. Meinhold ; translated from the German by Lady Duff Gordon. cover

Mary Schweidler, the amber witch / The most interesting trial for witchcraft ever known, printed from an imperfect manuscript by her father, Abraham Schweidler, the pastor of Coserow in the island of Usedom / edited by W. Meinhold ; translated from the German by Lady Duff Gordon.

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About This Book

An apparent early-modern manuscript uncovered in a church recounts the accusation, trial, and social fallout surrounding a young woman denounced for witchcraft; the narrative reproduces a pastor's records, witness depositions, and local reactions, blending legal procedure, superstition, and personal suffering. The story follows the unfolding investigations, interrogations, and communal anxieties set against wartime disruption, portraying how fear, religious belief, and judicial zeal shape the case. Interpolations by a later editor aim to restore missing passages while maintaining an antiquated voice, inviting reflection on the construction of evidence, the power of rumor, and the tragic human cost of moral panic.

About the Author

Meinhold, Wilhelm portrait

Wilhelm Meinhold

Wilhelm Meinhold was a 19th-century German author known for his contributions to Gothic literature and historical fiction. His most notable work, "Mary Schweidler, the Amber Witch," presents a compelling narrative based on a real witch trial, blending elements of horror and historical detail. Meinhold's writing often explores themes of superstition and the supernatural, as seen in his other significant work, "Sidonia, the Sorceress," which delves into the life of a woman accused of witchcraft in Pomerania. Through his vivid storytelling and rich characterizations, Meinhold has left a lasting impact on the genre, reflecting the cultural anxieties of his time.

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