Most often, such events were attributed to the presence of women, Jews, animals or the weakest members of society, charged with being the source of the evil and executed. In earliest times, animals (often goats because of their association with Satan) were paraded through the village in order for villagers to load their sins on to the unfortunate animal, and it was then driven out into the wilderness - giving rise to the expression "scapegoat".
In the Middle Ages, witch hunts became the horrific blame game, and thousands, mainly women, were burnt, drowned or tortured to death in a hysterical attempt, often driven by the Church, to remove the perceived evil from the community.
Even more stupid was the trial and execution of animals, even insects, which were such easy targets. Today's scapegoats (including bankers and politicians) are mentioned by Campbell, who also gives some space to conspiracy theories, which have become so prevalent.
Subtitled A History of Blaming Other People, this book is well written and researched, with comprehensive notes - a most sobering reminder of the lengths we go to, in order to avoid taking responsibility for our actions.
• Helen Adams is a Dunedin reader.
