The Lancashire Witches
by Harrison Ainsworth
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
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Torrance, California, United States
999 Copies Available from This Seller
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About This Item
Written by W.H. Ainsworth and placed largely in the 17th century, the book first follows the tale of a monk falsely accused of witchcraft who escapes his faith and takes on the name of Nicholas Demdike. Despite being granted special powers and becoming a true warlock, Demdike is later cursed by his rival, and his offspring later become the powerful but feared Lancashire witches.
The tale itself should not be confused with the historic events associated with the well-known Lancashire Witches. Ainsworth paints an entirely different picture of the tale, and while using numerous elements from the real Lancashire, the book is not meant to be an historical account.
Sometimes even diving into horror scenes, the story is a remarkable ? although historically inaccurate ? portrayal of the witches? original tale. Ainsworth?s writing style is captivating and highly imaginative, often being able to take the reader by surprise with his various plot twists and unexpected turns of events.
For some readers, the Lancashire dialect can be somewhat tricky to follow, although it doesn?t continue throughout the entire book, and the plot can still be understood quite well. Moving slowly and being depicted in a somewhat old-fashioned style that truly reflects the mood and atmosphere of 17th century Britain quite faithfully. Ainsworth was born in Lancashire, and his knowledge of the local land, folklore and people can be observed very clearly in the book.
Generally speaking, if you want a book that closely depicts the widely known and accepted image of fantasy witches as portrayed by folklore.
Synopsis
Ainsworth's last masterpiece, The Lancashire Witches proved a best-seller in its day and influenced many contemporary authors. The Lancashire Witches begins in the 16th century, in Lancashire, England. When a Cistercian monk, Borlace Alvetham, is falsely accused of witchcraft and condemned to death by his rival, Brother Paslew, he sells his soul to Satan and escapes. Years later, granted the powers of a warlock, he returns in the guise of Nicholas Demdike to witness Paslew's execution for treason. Dying, Paslew curses Demdike's offspring -- who become the titular "Lancashire Witches." The rest of the book set in the 17th century. Mother Demdike, a powerful witch, and her clan face rival witches, raise innocent young Alizon Devi as their own, and try to corrupt Alizon despite her innocent ways. Ultimately, the book becomes a struggle between Heaven and Hell, with Alizon's fate hanging in the balance.
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Details
- Bookseller
- IDB Productions (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 9781775421-535
- Title
- The Lancashire Witches
- Author
- Harrison Ainsworth
- Format/Binding
- MP3 Audio CD
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 999
Terms of Sale
IDB Productions
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