What do you think?
Rate this book
The Discovery of Witches
The Discovery of Delivered to the Judges of Assize for the County of NORFOLK And now published By MATTHEW HOPKINS, Witch-finder, FOR The Benefit of the whole KINGDOME. M. DC. XLVII. (1647) by Matthew Hopkins. Matthew Hopkins. c. 1620 - 12 August 1647, was an English witch-hunter whose career flourished during the English Civil War. He claimed to hold the office of Witchfinder General, although that title was never bestowed by Parliament. His witch-hunts mainly took place in East Anglia. Hopkins' witch-finding career began in March 1644 and lasted until his retirement in 1647. He and his associates were responsible for more people being hanged for witchcraft than in the previous 100 years, and were solely responsible for the increase in witch trials during those years. He is believed to have been responsible for the deaths of 300 women between the years 1644 and 1646. It has been estimated that all of the English witch trials between the early 15th and late 18th centuries resulted in fewer than 500 executions for witchcraft. Therefore, presuming the number executed as a result of "investigations" by Hopkins and his colleague John Stearne is at the lower end of the various estimates, their efforts accounted for about 60 per cent of the total; in the 14 months of their crusade Hopkins and Stearne sent to the gallows more people than all the other witch-hunters in England of the previous 160 years.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1647
106 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 5, 2016
Not nearly as freaky as I wanted it to be, it IS the real life full on Witch-Finder General's little treatise on how he finds witches. It was nice to see that even at this time people were starting to realize what a full-on fucking lunatic thing witch-finding was (is?), as this is mainly his attempts to answer questions posed by doubters of his craft. Too bad witches aren't real, I'd really like for this guy to be dragged to Hell by a few of them.
July 7, 2020
Jautājumu - atbilžu formā sarakstīta instrukcija par raganu atrašanu un sodīšanu 17.gs. Anglijā. Par autoru uzskata bēdīgi slaveno "raganu atradēju" M. Hopkinsu, kurš savas karjeras laikā nogalināja, kā vēsturnieki uzskata, pat simtiem sieviešu.
November 15, 2020
This is an account by a witchfinder not so much of his history but to answer questions and concerns among the authorities of his time.
Within his answers are details about methods for recognising witches and how to tell the difference between ordinary anomalies like marks on the skin and unusual ones that indicate a pact with the Devil.
Reading his explanations reminded me of some of the least logical troll discussions I've seen on line. I'm sure it all made perfect sense to Hopkins, but as we all know, witchfinders tended to have their own agenda and much of it was based either on greed, lust or superstition.
As a historical record, this is invaluable. It tells us the mindset of one of the best known witchfinders in an age of hysteria. I'm glad it was short though. I couldn't read through too much of that. If anything, it highlights some of the worst side of humanity and our potential for cruelty to our fellow creatures and each other.
Within his answers are details about methods for recognising witches and how to tell the difference between ordinary anomalies like marks on the skin and unusual ones that indicate a pact with the Devil.
Reading his explanations reminded me of some of the least logical troll discussions I've seen on line. I'm sure it all made perfect sense to Hopkins, but as we all know, witchfinders tended to have their own agenda and much of it was based either on greed, lust or superstition.
As a historical record, this is invaluable. It tells us the mindset of one of the best known witchfinders in an age of hysteria. I'm glad it was short though. I couldn't read through too much of that. If anything, it highlights some of the worst side of humanity and our potential for cruelty to our fellow creatures and each other.
October 3, 2019
Instructions unclear: didn't discover any witches
July 15, 2014
Really, *really* interesting read. After reading this I'm still not sure wither or not Hopkins genuinely thought he was doing God's work. I'm leaning towards no, he was making too much money while doing so, and despite his upbringing he always struck me as the type who was more interested in developing his image as a gentleman of means rather than a man of God ... still, even if he didn't believe in The Cause there were those who read this who surely did. Highly recommended.
September 15, 2016
The questions it purports to answer are much more enlightening than the answers themselves.
This is a very interesting book. I was turned to it while reading Good Omens which makes mention of Matthew Hopkins the self-proclaimed Witchfinder General.
In this book, Matthew Hopkins answers his critiques and while his answers are interesting, the questions reveal a much more sophisticated and nuanced view of witch hunts by his contemporaries than they are often credited for. For instance, concern is expressed that sleep deprivation amounts to torture and that like all torture or its threat, it causes false confessions. Hopkins also grants to his critiques that a claimed witch mark could be the result of a medical condition.
This is a very interesting book. I was turned to it while reading Good Omens which makes mention of Matthew Hopkins the self-proclaimed Witchfinder General.
In this book, Matthew Hopkins answers his critiques and while his answers are interesting, the questions reveal a much more sophisticated and nuanced view of witch hunts by his contemporaries than they are often credited for. For instance, concern is expressed that sleep deprivation amounts to torture and that like all torture or its threat, it causes false confessions. Hopkins also grants to his critiques that a claimed witch mark could be the result of a medical condition.
January 2, 2021
This is a hard little treatise to rate. It's neither edifying not enjoyable because it illuminates one man's obsession and hatred that led to many innocent women and men being murdered, arguably murdered by a very disturbed man given too much power in febrile times and sanctioned by a King. With endorsement from the top is it any wonder Hopkins was able to exercise his particular brand of violence. Considering these points, I think I will give The Discovery of Witches 4⭐ because it is an important historical document that indicates the methods and reasoning Hopkins used in his deadly persecutions. Still shocking and unbelievable all these years later. Who hurt you Matthew?
June 25, 2020
Theistic justification for serial murder.
Despite his ridiculous religious beliefs, Witchfinder Hopkins must be taken seriously due to the tragic effects of his delusional and murderous fantasies.
Despite his ridiculous religious beliefs, Witchfinder Hopkins must be taken seriously due to the tragic effects of his delusional and murderous fantasies.
February 26, 2018
Selittelyn makua :D
November 12, 2022
I am glad that Matty Hopkins eradicated more than 300 witches. However, it is sad to read that he had to respond to allegations of him being a fraud and a conman.
July 26, 2021
"king James in his Demonology saith, . . . Witches deny their Baptisme when they Covenant with the Devill," therefore; "the water refuseth to receive them . . ."* The Principia of Newton was published in 1687 only forty years after "The Discovery" and both asserted the same Biblically based age of the Earth, Newton c. 4000 BC and Hopkins "above 6000. yeers." Yet today, the vast majority of the same intellectually retarded people (now known as scientists) still believe implicitly in equally bogus Newtonian physics. So what's the difference? Probatum est.
*Is the idea that an apple falling from a tree downward to the Earth is phenomenally linked to the motion of the Moon (which is actually moving away from the Earth [~4cm per annum]) any less idiotic than the preceding? Both are simply the artificial linking of phenomena, which is thought to be the basis of knowledge (science), but is actually the basis of error.
Note: I believe that Newton's Theory of Universal Gravitation was inspired by Milton's 1667 "Paradise Lost" i.e. the apple, the Moon, the fall, etc.
Note on the text: "Swimming" means just that viz. the ability to swim. Obviously, anyone who has the unnatural ability to swim is in covenant with the "Devill." N.B. Maybe this is part of the reason why the Native Americans were so ruthlessly exterminated? —They were excellent swimmers, the American crawl being their invention.
Concluding Note: Matthew Hopkins was the "Arch-Fiend, now undisguised . . . For lying is thy sustenance, thy food"† a serial killer by proxy and should be included with others of his type e.g. Luis Garavito etc., members of the 300+ victims club.
†Milton, Paradise Regained, 1671
*Is the idea that an apple falling from a tree downward to the Earth is phenomenally linked to the motion of the Moon (which is actually moving away from the Earth [~4cm per annum]) any less idiotic than the preceding? Both are simply the artificial linking of phenomena, which is thought to be the basis of knowledge (science), but is actually the basis of error.
Note: I believe that Newton's Theory of Universal Gravitation was inspired by Milton's 1667 "Paradise Lost" i.e. the apple, the Moon, the fall, etc.
Note on the text: "Swimming" means just that viz. the ability to swim. Obviously, anyone who has the unnatural ability to swim is in covenant with the "Devill." N.B. Maybe this is part of the reason why the Native Americans were so ruthlessly exterminated? —They were excellent swimmers, the American crawl being their invention.
Concluding Note: Matthew Hopkins was the "Arch-Fiend, now undisguised . . . For lying is thy sustenance, thy food"† a serial killer by proxy and should be included with others of his type e.g. Luis Garavito etc., members of the 300+ victims club.
†Milton, Paradise Regained, 1671
July 12, 2024
Very fortunately we do not live in the 17th century where society was enmeshed in religion to an extent scarcely within our understanding, or even our imagination. Whilst most would regard as abhorrent the zeal of the witch-finding activities of Matthew Hopkins and his side-kick John Stearne, their writings are important accounts of attempted self-justification for their actions.
The account by Matthew Hopkins runs to only 6 pages in this slim volume, that of Stearne takes up 37 pages. Neither personal testimony is convincing. Hopkins' short piece does not rely on religious justification- it is based on his 'experience'- and clearly it is an attempt to counter criticism for his doings (his account is written for the judges at the Norfolk Assize). The longer work of Stearne is a curious mixture of blatant plagiarism of Richard Bernard's "Guide to Grand Jury Men" of 1627 interspersed with examples of cases of witchcraft in East Anglia in the mid-1640s when the country was immersed in civil unrest and social division. Undoubtedly the witch-hunt and trials were a product of those troubled times.
Aside from the personal writings of the two witchfinders, some of which is not easy to follow, this book includes an excellent introduction and notes by S. F. Davies. There is also a useful bibliography. For those interested in reading more gruesome stuff on witchfinders, try books by Malcolm Gaskill.
The account by Matthew Hopkins runs to only 6 pages in this slim volume, that of Stearne takes up 37 pages. Neither personal testimony is convincing. Hopkins' short piece does not rely on religious justification- it is based on his 'experience'- and clearly it is an attempt to counter criticism for his doings (his account is written for the judges at the Norfolk Assize). The longer work of Stearne is a curious mixture of blatant plagiarism of Richard Bernard's "Guide to Grand Jury Men" of 1627 interspersed with examples of cases of witchcraft in East Anglia in the mid-1640s when the country was immersed in civil unrest and social division. Undoubtedly the witch-hunt and trials were a product of those troubled times.
Aside from the personal writings of the two witchfinders, some of which is not easy to follow, this book includes an excellent introduction and notes by S. F. Davies. There is also a useful bibliography. For those interested in reading more gruesome stuff on witchfinders, try books by Malcolm Gaskill.
May 14, 2020
This is a very short text (38 pages) composed of 14 questions critiquing Matthew Hopkins's methods of finding and prosecuting witches and his replies. I found the questions much more interesting and revealing than the answers given, and agree with another reviewer here that "the questions reveal a much more sophisticated and nuanced view of witch hunts by his contemporaries than they are often credited for". You don't normally hear about the resistance and the questioning of the abuses and I was very happy to see them here. The questions express concern regarding the possibility of 'witch mark' being the result of a medical condition, the use of torture (e.g. sleep deprivation and being forced to walk constantly) as a means of obtaining confessions etc: "But there hath been an abominable, inhumane, and unmerciful tryall of these poore creatures, by tying them, and heaving them into the water".
It is important to note, however, that the volume was published by Matthew Hopkins himself and delivered to the Judges of Assize (judges who travelled around setting up a court and summoning local juries) of the county of Norfolk.
It is important to note, however, that the volume was published by Matthew Hopkins himself and delivered to the Judges of Assize (judges who travelled around setting up a court and summoning local juries) of the county of Norfolk.
June 28, 2023
I bought and read this after I had finished The Manningtree Witches for one of my October reads. I have read several books that feature Matthew Hopkins (Manningtree Witches, The Witchfinder's Sister, Witch Hunt) and was always curious to read what the guy had to say for himself.
It is basically a FAQ guide on the methods and principles of witchfinding, where he has pre-empted questions and objections and written answers that he thinks paints him as the ultimate authority. Me, I think he doth protest too much.
The three stars I have given this little book of nonsense are for its historical value. It is a load of old superstitious rubbish, but it was dangerous superstitious rubbish. It tells us what he was thinking and what drove him to be the character he was. Aided and abetted by the ramblings of King James led Hopkins to justify his decision to be a serial killer when he later took advantage of an interregnum. This book is purely to let him off the hook.
Interesting though.
It is basically a FAQ guide on the methods and principles of witchfinding, where he has pre-empted questions and objections and written answers that he thinks paints him as the ultimate authority. Me, I think he doth protest too much.
The three stars I have given this little book of nonsense are for its historical value. It is a load of old superstitious rubbish, but it was dangerous superstitious rubbish. It tells us what he was thinking and what drove him to be the character he was. Aided and abetted by the ramblings of King James led Hopkins to justify his decision to be a serial killer when he later took advantage of an interregnum. This book is purely to let him off the hook.
Interesting though.
Read
July 14, 2023Was so interesting to read this massive part of history. The fact that people let Matthew Hopkins have so much power is crazy to me, his writings in this book just go to show how far gone he truly was. He used the public's fear and made it worse, then went town to town accusing innocent people of witchcraft and accepting people's payment for every 'witch' that he forced to confess. Such an interesting book and amazing to read so far later into the future. Can also definitely tell from the grammar that Hopkins was not the most intellectual man. It's interesting to consider whether he believed that he was doing the right thing and truly thought he was ridding the world of witches or whether it was all an elaborate scheme to take advantage of people's fear and hysteria and make some easy money. This book is too big of a part of history for me to give a rating to, it's not written for enjoyment but as answers to questions for the witch finder Matthew Hopkins. Definitely recommend having a read!
December 24, 2025
man i watched a bunch of documentary videos from natgeo about the witch trials and I wanted to see what this dumbass had to say for himself in this book but truly I cannot comprehend if he genuinely believed in the work he was doing or was just on a power trip of being able to move the population based on his (unfounded) word. am I to truly believe he believes he saw "imps" that a "witch" called in? also he's so infuriatingly self assured even when there is plenty of reason for him to agree that he might've been over zealous in his pursuit of witches????? anyway idk why I'm ranting about all this here it was a really short book but I got so annoyed.
tldr; I hate men. of all eras.
tldr; I hate men. of all eras.
December 3, 2017
E-book provided by Project Gutenberg for free online.
I came upon the mention of this interrogation after watching 'Bell, Book, and Candle' and then researching the name Pyewacket (the cat familiar name in the movie.)
A question and answer interrogation between Hopkins, the "Witchfinder General" from the 1600's, and those who were judging his actions as 'witchfinder'. Who the interrogating magistrates are is never revealed but the read is very informative of the thoughts at the time concerning witches.
I came upon the mention of this interrogation after watching 'Bell, Book, and Candle' and then researching the name Pyewacket (the cat familiar name in the movie.)
A question and answer interrogation between Hopkins, the "Witchfinder General" from the 1600's, and those who were judging his actions as 'witchfinder'. Who the interrogating magistrates are is never revealed but the read is very informative of the thoughts at the time concerning witches.
Read
November 7, 2025First of all, Matthew Hopkins better be rotting in hell right now
Second, this isn’t at all what I expected but it was still fascinating to read. The context in which I was introduced to this (The First Witch of Boston) made it seem like more of an instructive manual or guide on how to go about determining whether a person was participating in witchcraft. However, it’s basically an ‘ask me anything,’ late 1600’s edition.
The open criticisms of his methods and practice was frankly refreshing and really interesting, even if his responses were pretty insane and deluded.
Second, this isn’t at all what I expected but it was still fascinating to read. The context in which I was introduced to this (The First Witch of Boston) made it seem like more of an instructive manual or guide on how to go about determining whether a person was participating in witchcraft. However, it’s basically an ‘ask me anything,’ late 1600’s edition.
The open criticisms of his methods and practice was frankly refreshing and really interesting, even if his responses were pretty insane and deluded.
October 3, 2019
Witchfinder General...
Reading this majes you wonder if the horror film by Hammer was not altered to make MH far more evil and devious than he ever was.
An interesting view into the ways in which he worked, and the rules he followed. The methods in used to help him discover a witch in the places he was called to
If this book gives the true view of his work, then the film paibts him darker than ge ever was... or ever would turn out to be
Reading this majes you wonder if the horror film by Hammer was not altered to make MH far more evil and devious than he ever was.
An interesting view into the ways in which he worked, and the rules he followed. The methods in used to help him discover a witch in the places he was called to
If this book gives the true view of his work, then the film paibts him darker than ge ever was... or ever would turn out to be
May 9, 2022
My rating is a reflection of the enjoyment I got from reading a historical document. My husband and I watched witch finder general last night, afterwards I went and looked up Matthew Hopkins right away. What a sad sack, but of course I needed to know more and went on to read this book. Here Hopkins answers questions related to how he conducts his witch findings. Written in old English which always makes me giggle.
December 31, 2021
The Discovery of Witches by Matthew Hopkins
An interesting look into the mind of the Witchfinder General. The questions he was asked are more insightful and thought provoking than his responses. He comes across as a serial killer using his own delusions and fantasies to justify his crimes. A fascinating historical figure.
An interesting look into the mind of the Witchfinder General. The questions he was asked are more insightful and thought provoking than his responses. He comes across as a serial killer using his own delusions and fantasies to justify his crimes. A fascinating historical figure.
October 16, 2025
I picked up this book as I recently watched a documentary on tv in regards to the Essex witches
This book just shows how Matthew answered questions about what he thought was a witch
I personally felt very very sorry for those poor women and some men
I feel Matthew was obsessed with witches and actually didn’t have a the faintest idea
This book just shows how Matthew answered questions about what he thought was a witch
I personally felt very very sorry for those poor women and some men
I feel Matthew was obsessed with witches and actually didn’t have a the faintest idea
September 8, 2019
Wildly weird
Hard to believe so many innocent people were put to death based upon whatever nonsense a "witchfinder" chose to read aloud from this wretched, evil book at the accused witch trial. They were going to be found guilty no matter what they or others testified.
Hard to believe so many innocent people were put to death based upon whatever nonsense a "witchfinder" chose to read aloud from this wretched, evil book at the accused witch trial. They were going to be found guilty no matter what they or others testified.
May 14, 2018
Disturbing.
August 16, 2018
A good intro to the wild world of medeival witch trials.
Read
May 16, 2020Loved this series. The TV series was prewtty good too.
Read
May 21, 2021This book should be up there with Mein Kampf
May 22, 2021
A great piece of history. A good insight into the minds of early modern zealots.
June 8, 2021
10/10 would have been executed as a witch had I been a contemporary of Matthew Hopkins! And don't forget, swimming is evil.
November 13, 2021
Short but interesting account of a guy who hunted witches.
Worth the time to read IMHO
Worth the time to read IMHO
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews