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The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition

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The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition

Written by: Teofilo F. Ruiz, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Teofilo F. Ruiz
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About this listen

Western civilization is closely associated with reason and science, and with exceptional accomplishments in art, architecture, music, and literature.Yet it has also been characterized by widespread belief in the supernatural and the irrational - with mystics who have visions of the divine and entire movements of people who wait in fervent anticipation of the apocalypse.

Moreover, Western culture has also been the setting for repeated acts of barbaric reaction to those beliefs, including persecutions of certain groups, such as Jews, or of people accused as heretics and witches.

This series of 24 intriguing lectures explores the concept of what has been called the "terror of history," a deeply held ancient belief that human beings live constantly on the edge of doom- a doom against which we must protect ourselves, sometimes by scapegoating an "other" whom we blame for this catastrophic plight.

The lectures explore this belief through a study of mysticism, heresy, apocalyptic movements, and the witch-hunting craze that bloomed in Europe from 1000 to 1700. You'll examine sources you may be unfamiliar with, learn to think in new ways, and gain a fresh perspective on how social, economic, political, and religious climates - especially during times of change and stress - exert tremendous influence on the prevalence of irrational attitudes and persecutions.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great Courses
Europe Thought-Provoking
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What listeners say about The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition

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Fantastic series of lectures

My favourite TGC so far! Fascinating from beginning to end. Well researched and presented and worthy of a second listening.

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A fun ride through the year 1000 to 1700s

Note that this course is a very broad overview on the subject matter and it has to be given the long stretch of time chosen. But the author still takes time to deep delve if a few captivating stories like the witches of Loudon.

The speaker was fantastic, I would listen to any of his audiobooks.

Very entertaining course

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Brilliantly insightful

Teofilo F. Ruiz provides exactly the kind of knowledgeable and insightful approach to the subject matter (mysticism, heresy, witchcraft) that I always hope to receive from the Great Courses. I don't normally leave reviews but I will here because this series reminded me of my time in university. This series was compelling from start to finish.

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Enriching and poignant

As augmentation to a course I took in Early Modern Europe; magic and witchcraft, while studying for a degree in History, I found this lecture series very enriching. Ruiz gave a great performance in every chapter. I enjoyed listening while commuting in a car and got some further suggestions to research from the lecturer. Well done.

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AMAZING and Intensely Informative

This series of lectures is literally one of the best things I've ever listened to!

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