Agnes Finnie by Mary W Craig

Agnes Finnie by Mary W Craig

Witchcraft holds a continued fascination for readers around the world, and the Scottish witch hunts have recently received renewed media attention, especially with the BBC 2 show Lucy Worsley Investigates, bringing attention to Edinburgh’s witches. Expert Mary Craig explores the unusual story of Agnes Finnie, a middle class shopkeeper who lived in the tenements of Edinburgh. After arrest, most witches were tried within a matter of days but not Agnes. Her unusual case took months with weeks of deliberation of the jury. Mary explains why and gives her expert insight into the political and religious tensions that led to her burning. The book will interest a variety of readers, academics and non-academics alike – those interested in witchcraft, British and Scottish history, religious studies and women’s studies. Mary Craig works as a historian with museums, archives and schools and hosts regular, well-attended events on the subject of witchcraft in the Scottish Borders. We expect strong media coverage. The Witches of Scotland campaign has recently gained traction and the attention of first minister Nicola Sturgeon, calling for a pardon and apology to those accused during the witch hunts.

Thanks to King James VI’s legacy and staunch efforts at eliminating witchcraft in Scotland, it would be dangerous to be a woman accused of witchcraft for centuries thereafterCraig investigates one peculiar case of Agnes Finnie, a shopkeeper and money lender who underwent a month-long trial before being convicted. The long bibliography proves how much research Craig put into this account yet her engaging narrative writing style makes it almost feel as if you’re reading a novel. – SCOTTISH FIELD

Praise for Borders Witch Hunt

She takes an interesting and holistic view of this turbulent time in Scottish history. A fascinating read. – KENNY SMITH on Borders Witch Hunt

It’s a particularly juicy bite of Scottish social history. – SCOTLAND MAGAZINE on Borders Witch Hunt

MARY CRAIG is a writer and historian living in Scotland. She is a former Carnegie scholar and a graduate of the University of Glasgow. She is a working historian and writer and specialises in central European history. She has written articles for several journals and gives history talks and lectures across the country.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781804250198
ISBN 10	1804250198
Title	Agnes Finnie
Author	Mary W Craig
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Luath Press Ltd
Year published	2023-02-27
Number of pages	272
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.