A German Jesuit appointed as father confessor to condemned witches, Spee became arguably the sharpest critic of excessive trial procedure. While agreeing that witchcraft was a serious crime, he disputed that forced confessions constituted real evidence and came to believe in the innocence of most of the accused. He also worried that the naming of accomplices under torture could end up threatening entire communities. This book was first published anonymously. Although condemned by some, it helped bring about more restrained procedures.