Carlo Ginzburg, Who Told the History of the Obscure, Dies at 87

Obscure? Carlo Ginzburg had definite themes and interests as a historian. A strong thread is pre- or non-Christian paganic beliefs and practices in Europe, including witchcraft. Night Battles is wild, it describes gangs of witches in Italy performing spiritual battles in a field, the result of which will affect the prospects of good or bad harvest in the following year. Also, werewolves.

The Cheese and the Worms was lovely. It also dissuades you of any notion of the idyllic past, the sheer weight and organization of the totalitarian church was impressive.