Le streghe
 dono del folletto alle signore

by Unknown

"Le streghe" by Defendente Sacchi is a treatise on witchcraft and superstition written in the late 19th century. The work explores the historical beliefs surrounding witches, magic, and the perceptions of women accused of witchcraft. It serves as both a historical account and an examination of the cultural significance of these beliefs in society. At the start of the text, the author presents a preface that reflects on the state of superstition as it pertains to witches, noting that despite advancements in knowledge, belief in witchcraft persists. Sacchi discusses various writings and the resurgence of interests in magic and the occult, linking them to societal fears and legal prosecutions against those accused, particularly women. The narrative sets the stage for a deeper exploration of different magical practices, societal responses to witchcraft, and the dynamics between men and women within this context. From the mention of a congress of witches, the opening tantalizingly depicts a surreal and nightmarish gathering full of symbolic figures, inviting readers into the eerie world of magic and superstition that will unfold throughout the treatise.