This new edition corrects Summers' mistakes, renders the text into readable English, offers a clearer understanding of the original If you want to understand the religious and psychological mindset that created the horrors of the witch hunts then this is essential reading. --The Cauldron

English readers dissatisfied with the infelicities of Montague Summers's 1928 edition and who cannot afford the translation by Christopher Mackay, will be well served by Maxwell-Stuart's readable abridgement, and his substantial introduction. --Canon Michael Perry, Church Times

P. G. Maxwell-Stuart would seem to be an excellent choice to provide an edited translation of the Malleus Maleficarum, possessing as he does the necessary linguistic skills and an unrivalled knowledge of late medieval and early modern magical texts. His translation is deft and supported by sound scholarship. --James Sharpe, THES

2008-02-02 Masterful Maleficarum

This is the new translation of the (in)famous "Malleus Maleficarum", the witchfinder's manual written during the late middle ages by Heinrich Kramer. This new version corrects errors made by earlier translators and provides a fuller, better and more accurate work which is truer to the latin original. The work is abridged in places to avoid repetition and is none the worse for it, although some may feel this slightly undermines its authenticity - however, this is a minor gripe. The introductory essay is well worth reading as it supplies some background and context for "Malleus" and helps the reader to a better understanding of the book and its impact through the ages as a result. The translator's enthusiasm also shines through and Maxwell-Stuart - an expert in the field - allows the book to flow without heavy handed editing which can, and sadly does, mar many an otherwise good book.

If you've already got Montague Summers' translation, then get this one anyway to bring things up to date. Also think about getting Martin Del Rio's "Investigations Into Magic" and Menghi's "The Devil's Scourge" to fully understand the spirit of the age.

Masterful stuff.