Heinrich Kramer 
Der Hexenhammer (Band 1-3) 

Heinrich Kramer’s ‘Der Hexenhammer’ is a monumental three-volume work that delves into the dark world of witchcraft and the methods used to identify and persecute supposed witches. Written in the late 15th century, this treatise provides a detailed account of the author’s beliefs on witchcraft, from its origins to its practices, and includes instructions on how to conduct witch trials and interrogations. Kramer’s writing style is both authoritative and meticulous, reflecting his role as an inquisitor who was tasked with hunting down and punishing those accused of witchcraft. The book is a significant contribution to the literature on witch hunts and the persecution of women during this period, shedding light on the superstitious fears and moral anxieties that plagued society at the time. Despite its controversial content, ‘Der Hexenhammer’ remains a crucial historical document that offers valuable insights into the mindset of the witch hunters of the Middle Ages.