Johannes Nider, Formicarius

by spstks

Hello,

I seek your knowledge.

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I am interested in a very specific text that i have found in its original latin language.

Johannes Nider, Formicarius

Here is a scan of the original

I am trying to find a translation of the work. Maybe somebody could help me, as i would be very greatful.

It would work for me in english, german, italian and maybe even french.

Thanks.

EDIT: Link to the scanned document.

sunagainstgold

Heya!

Unfortunately, there is no modern translation of Formicarius--there isn't even a modern Latin edition of the text. There's a 1971 facsimile (reproduction) of an early modern print, but that's all. Supposedly Catherine Chene is working on a full critical edition.

There is a (very) partial French translation by Chene in:

  • Martine Osterero et al. (eds.), L'Imaginaire du sabbat: Edition critique des textes les plus anciens (1430 c.-1440 c.)

By way of secondary sources, there are two major studies of it:

  • Michael Bailey, Battling Demons: Witchcraft, Heresy, and Reform in the Late Middle Ages (who looks beyond witchcraft, finally)
  • Werner Tschacher, Der Formicarius des Johannes Nider von 1437/38: Studien zu den Anfängen der europäischen Hexenverfolgungen im Spätmittelalter

Sadly, the Malleus Maleficarum gets all the attention (despite basically ripping off Formicarius book 5). I guess Hexenhammer makes for a more exciting title than Ameisenhaufen.

I wish I had better news for you.