This book isn't so much a history book as it is a book by an individual Satanist elaborating his own historically-based reasons for joining the Devil's side. This book predates the Church of Satan by over a century, and forms the bases of the additudes and ideas of "Michelet Satanism."

Some stuff never quits. And, it seems some stuff never starts, when it should, anyway. This book is a great example of both, I think. Strangely contemporary in its impact, this book is a startlingly empathic study of, well - oppressed women way back then - I mean just ordinary women trying to live their lives. These women are much more like us than is the society around them; I owe this emphasis much to the genius of Michelet. Not to be read by thrill seekers but by lovers of humanity and seekers of sociological truth, I guarantee you a very rich experience indeed. I'm a community radio producer and on my next show (just before Hallloween) I am going to try to read excerpts from this book mixed with pieces from Richard Thompson and Maddy Prior; any other suggestions?

this is the most inspiring book i have ever read. It told about Joan's religous life and human life. This book I recomend to everybody above 15.

How were the dark ages in Europe?Find out in this book.Excellent view of religion,superstition,witchcraft,and society of the era.Very well written as well as informative.

Michelet's Histoire de la revolution francaise was written during and after the revolution of 1848, which gives it a particular flavour of urgency and immediacy in comparing the two revolutions, and also a special value as a passionate reflection on the rights of the people as opposed to the interests of the ruler. Michelet himself suffered because of his ideals of social justice; he was dismissed from his teaching post and went through a long period of financial hardship. His work is, of course, highly emotional and patriotic (a quality I usually dislike, but which is in this case excusable), and it can be read as a proof that historians are not always mindless sycophants who repeat the official version, secretly deploring the suffering of the oh-so-glorious aristocracy. To obtain a different perspective, I am reading The Oxford History of the French Revolution by Doyle as well. The contrast is really enjoyable, involving Romantic pathos versus late 20th century commitment to cold facts. In short, this book is a long read, but it is recommendable, even aesthetically pleasing (although a little bombastic), especially in French.

This book is a great source of reference on the outlook and attitudes of people during the middle ages. Michelet paints a clear picture of the cruel and inhumane tortures laid upon people during the days when Witchcraft was the one thing to fear. It gives plenty of background and other references so that you may read further. I recommend this book to anyone that would like to dig a little farther than the Salem Witch Trials into the persecution of Witches.