Wolfgang Behringer

About the Author

Wolfgang Behringer is a distinguished historian specializing in the cultural and social dimensions of early modern Europe, with a particular focus on witchcraft, shamanism, and popular beliefs. A professor emeritus at the University of Manchester and a leading figure in German historical studies, Behringer has dedicated his career to unraveling the intersections of folklore, religion, and power in pre-modern societies. His groundbreaking research draws on archival sources to illuminate the lives of ordinary people ensnared in extraordinary events, challenging conventional narratives of the witch hunts and supernatural phenomena. Through meticulous scholarship, Behringer bridges the gap between academic history and public understanding, offering insights into how fear and imagination shaped the past. His work continues to influence contemporary discussions on the history of magic and marginal figures in European history.