How to Kill a Witch: The Patriarchy's Guide to Silencing Women

Patriarchy's Guide Silencing: How to Kill a Witch by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell examines Scotland's witch hunts through trial records, witness accounts and the legal framework behind accusations. Its historical focus and feminist analysis may suit readers interested in Scottish history and the policing of women, while its dark humour gives the account a less formal tone.

At a glance

Covers the 1563 Scottish Witchcraft Act and the procedures for identifying, accusing, trying and executing women as witches.
Draws on trial transcripts, witness accounts and legal documents, according to the listing.
Connects the history of witch hunts with modern debates about justice and equality.
Written by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell, hosts of the Witches of Scotland podcast, according to the listing.

Price

$34.70Save 17%

Reference price: ~~$41.99~~

Price checked: Nov 13, 2026

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In Defense of Witches: The Legacy of the Witch Hunts and Why Women Are Still on Trial

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Pros and cons

Pros

Historical documents and trial processes give the subject a specific Scottish legal and social context.
Customer feedback highlights the informative treatment, writing style and use of humour.

Technical specifications

8 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Sourcebooks
Publication date	Sept. 30 2025
Language	English
Print length	320 pages

Identifiers
ISBN-10	1464241228
ISBN-13	978-1464241222

Physical details
Dimensions	15.88 x 2.67 x 23.5 cm
Weight listed	499 g

What to know before buying

The listing frames the book as both a historical account and a feminist argument about continuing struggles for justice. Readers seeking a narrowly chronological or neutral survey may want to review its approach before choosing it.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in Scottish history and witch trials.
Readers seeking feminist analysis of historical persecution and its present-day implications.
Book groups discussing gender, justice or the history of witch hunts.

Less suited to

Readers looking for fiction or a light treatment of witchcraft.
Readers seeking a general survey of witch hunts without a strong focus on women and patriarchal power.

How to Kill a Witch: The Patriarchy's Guide to Silencing Women · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.2 / 5 · 1,271 ratings

5 stars47%47%
4 stars30%30%
3 stars18%18%
2 stars4%4%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback is strongly favourable overall, with readers particularly highlighting the book's informative depth, impact, writing and humour. That praise may matter to readers looking for an engaging account alongside its historical detail. The rating distribution also includes a substantial middle group, so reactions are not uniformly top-rated, and the supplied feedback does not explain individual reservations.

Positive themes

Readers praise the informative content and depth of investigation.
Feedback highlights the writing style and the humour woven through the subject.

Frequently asked questions

What is How to Kill a Witch about?

It examines witch-hunting in Scotland, including the legal and bureaucratic processes used to accuse and try women, and considers the wider consequences of those persecutions.

What sources does the book draw on?

The listing describes it as using trial transcripts, witness accounts and documents establishing legal grounds for witch hunts.

Who wrote the book?

The listing names Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell, hosts of the Witches of Scotland podcast.

How long is the book?

The listed print length is 320 pages.