Publisher's Synopsis
William Howitt's Abridgment of His Popular History of Priestcraft is a book that was originally published in 1834. The book is a shortened version of Howitt's earlier work, which was a comprehensive history of the role of priests in society. In this abridged version, Howitt focuses on the ways in which priests have used their power to control and manipulate people throughout history.The book is divided into several sections, each of which covers a different aspect of priestcraft. Howitt begins by discussing the origins of priesthoods in ancient societies, and how they evolved over time. He then goes on to examine the ways in which priests have used religion to gain power and influence over people, including the use of fear, superstition, and ritual.Throughout the book, Howitt provides numerous examples of how priests have abused their power, from the Inquisition to the Salem witch trials. He also discusses the ways in which priests have been challenged by reformers and revolutionaries throughout history.Despite its focus on the negative aspects of priestcraft, Howitt's book is not entirely critical of religion. He acknowledges that religion can be a force for good in society, but argues that it should not be used as a tool for oppression.Overall, William Howitt's Abridgment of His Popular History of Priestcraft is a fascinating look at the ways in which priests have shaped human history. It is a thought-provoking read that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of religion and its impact on society.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
