Here's why he's so well-known:
* "Malleus Maleficarum": This book, published in 1486, became the standard guide for witch hunting in Europe. It contained detailed instructions on identifying, torturing, and executing witches, and its influence on the witch hunts is undeniable.
* Extensive Involvement: Kramer was personally involved in numerous witch trials across Europe, often leading the investigations and prosecutions.
* Legacy: His name is synonymous with the brutality and persecution of the witch hunts, and his book, though now considered a horrifying document, remains a chilling reminder of the dark side of history.
While other figures, like Matthew Hopkins (the "Witchfinder General" of England) and Pierre de Lancre (known for his work in the Basque region), played significant roles in the witch hunts, Kramer's influence through "Malleus Maleficarum" makes him stand out as a central figure in the history of this dark chapter.