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Witch: A Tale of Terror

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Witch: A Tale of Terror

By: Charles MacKay, Sam Harris - introduction
Narrated by: Sam Harris
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About this listen

For centuries in Europe, innocent men and women were murdered for the imaginary crime of witchcraft. This was a mass delusion and moral panic, driven by pious superstition and a deadly commitment to religious conformity. In Witch: A Tale of Terror, best-selling author Sam Harris introduces and reads from Charles Mackay's beloved book, Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds.

Public Domain (P)2016 Sam Harris Europe
All stars
Most relevant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, a brilliant example of how bad ideas and confusion can lead to terrible consequences.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Witch: A Tale of Terror?

The abundant use of torture, and the confidence in its efficacy.

What about Sam Harris’s performance did you like?

Sam Harris is a delightful voice to have in one's ear.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it is concise and consumable.

Fascinating, incredible, yet all true.

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Would you consider the audio edition of Witch: A Tale of Terror to be better than the print version?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of Witch: A Tale of Terror?

The two Jesuit priests

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

It's as if it was written in 2017. So forward-thinking for the 1840s. Harris is a masterful narrator.

Incredible....our species is so stupid!

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Incredible to hear about these events in such detail. Couldn't stop listening. Highly recommend it

Terrifying. 0_0

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In this sobering reminder of dark days in Western culture's past, Sam Harris need not point out the obvious parallels that have crept back into the Western culture of today, the continued barbarity in many countries and cultures still ruled by religious dogma and superstition, and their violent consequences.

A sobering reminder of superstitions' violent ends

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Surprising and very interesting but halfway through I sped it up as I kinda got the picture!

Interesting but repetitive

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.