Written in a conversational tone, I felt that this book by Milton Meltzer offered a basic history through the ages and across the world about witch hunting. The terrifying and saddening search for people who were accused of satanism and workers of evil magic, it was definitely an informative read. The splices of stories and information of how thousands upon thousands were tortured, and or killed, was maddening. There wasn't one specific figure of witch craft that was a central focus for the book rather one theme; which was often terrorizing investigations and accusations of men, women, and children that were proven guilty of performing heinous acts against their family, friends, and neighbors. Taking the blame for the world's downtrodden economy, fall from religious grace, etc., Meltzer points out the fear that trickled from stranger to stranger to name people who were accused of witchcraft; whether they knew of any justified evidence that could prove they caused harm. I'd like that he not only shown light on the Salem Witch Trials but also Hitler's regime and McCarthyism. Definitely a good read for someone who is looking into the witchcraft to write fantasy fiction (like I was) or someone who was interested in its history.