Jacob Sprenger was a German churchman and inquisitor born around 1430. He is best known for co-authoring the infamous witch-hunting manual, Malleus Maleficarum, in 1487. This book played a significant role in the witch hunts across Europe during the late Middle Ages. Sprenger served as a Dominican friar and was involved in the prosecution of alleged witches. His work contributed to the widespread fear and persecution of those accused of witchcraft, leading to thousands of executions. He died in 1495, leaving a controversial legacy tied to the dark history of witch trials in Europe.