The Lancashire Witches
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Ainsworth's last masterpiece¸ The Lancashire Witches proved a best-seller in its day and influenced many contemporary authors. The Lancashire Witches begins in the 16th century¸ in Lancashire¸ England. When a Cistercian monk¸ Borlace Alvetham¸ is falsely accused of witchcraft and condemned to death by his rival¸ Brother Paslew¸ he sells his soul to Satan and escapes. Years later¸ granted the powers of a warlock¸ he returns in the guise of Nicholas Demdike to witness Paslew's execution for treason. Dying¸ Paslew curses Demdike's offspring -- who become the titular "Lancashire Witches." The rest of the book set in the 17th century. Mother Demdike¸ a powerful witch¸ and her clan face rival witches¸ raise innocent young Alizon Devi as their own¸ and try to corrupt Alizon despite her innocent ways. Ultimately¸ the book becomes a struggle between Heaven and Hell¸ with Alizon's fate hanging in the balance.
Ainsworth's last masterpiece¸ The Lancashire Witches proved a best-seller in its day and influenced many contemporary authors. The Lancashire Witches begins in the 16th century¸ in Lancashire¸ England. When a Cistercian monk¸ Borlace Alvetham¸ is falsely accused of witchcraft and condemned to death by his rival¸ Brother Paslew¸ he sells his soul to Satan and escapes. Years later¸ granted the powers of a warlock¸ he returns in the guise of Nicholas Demdike to witness Paslew's execution for treason. Dying¸ Paslew curses Demdike's offspring -- who become the titular "Lancashire Witches." The rest of the book set in the 17th century. Mother Demdike¸ a powerful witch¸ and her clan face rival witches¸ raise innocent young Alizon Devi as their own¸ and try to corrupt Alizon despite her innocent ways. Ultimately¸ the book becomes a struggle between Heaven and Hell¸ with Alizon's fate hanging in the balance.