{"title":"Walter Stephens","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our collection of works by \u003cem\u003eWalter Stephens\u003c\/em\u003e, a distinguished author known for his insightful contributions to the fields of \u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eMilitary\u003c\/strong\u003e studies. A key highlight of this collection is the fascinating book \u003cem\u003eDemon Lovers\u003c\/em\u003e, where Stephens delves into the historical interplay between mythology and societal beliefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWalter Stephens' writings offer a captivating exploration of historical narratives, examining how supernatural elements have influenced human understanding across centuries. His unique ability to weave compelling stories from meticulous research makes his books both educational and richly entertaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a history enthusiast or inquisitive about military phenomena through the ages, Walter Stephens’ works provide a thought-provoking journey into the profound impact of myths and legends on history. Discover the complexities and nuances of past eras through the erudite lens of this esteemed historian.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"demon-lovers-by-walter-stephens-9780226772622","title":"Demon Lovers","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn September 20, 1587, Walpurga Hausmännin of Dillingen in southern Germany was burned at the stake as a witch. Although she had confessed to committing a long list of \u003ci\u003emaleficia\u003c\/i\u003e (deeds of harmful magic), including killing forty-one infants and two mothers in labour, her evil career allegedly began with just one heinous act—sex with a demon. Fornication with demons was a major theme of her trial record, which detailed an almost continuous orgy of sexual excess with her diabolical paramour Federlin \"in many divers places, . . . even in the street by night.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Walter Stephens demonstrates in \u003ci\u003eDemon Lovers\u003c\/i\u003e, it was not Hausmännin or other so-called witches who were obsessive about sex with demons—instead, a number of devout Christians, including trained theologians, displayed an uncanny preoccupation with the topic during the centuries of the \"witch craze.\" Why? To find out, Stephens conducts a detailed investigation of the first and most influential treatises on witchcraft (written between 1430 and 1530), including the infamous \u003ci\u003eMalleus Maleficarum\u003c\/i\u003e (\u003ci\u003eHammer of Witches\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFar from being credulous fools or mindless misogynists, early writers on witchcraft emerge in Stephens's account as rational but reluctant sceptics, trying desperately to resolve contradictions in Christian thought on God, spirits, and sacraments that had bedevilled theologians for centuries. Proof of the physical existence of demons—for instance, through evidence of their intercourse with mortal witches—would provide strong evidence for the reality of the supernatural, the truth of the Bible, and the existence of God. Early modern witchcraft theory reflected a crisis of belief—a crisis that continues to be expressed today in popular debates over angels, Satanic ritual child abuse, and alien abduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000589893868,"sku":"9780226772622","price":118.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/19954503482268.jpg?v=1763287633"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/walter-stephens.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}