The True Story of Salem: Books 1-7 stands as a profound exploration of early American life, uniquely charting the socio-religious turmoil of the Salem witch trials through a robust collection of testimonies, letters, sermons, and accounts. This anthology showcases a range of literary styles from didactic exposés to impassioned narratives, providing readers with a diverse panorama of perspectives on Puritan society. The varying tones and approaches within the collection, inform and challenge contemporary understandings of a pivotal historical episode, revealing complex interplays of power, fear, and the human condition. The contributors, including notable figures such as Cotton Mather, and Charles Wentworth Upham among others, bring an authoritative depth to the study of Salem's witchcraft episodes. These authors not only represent pivotal roles within the historical context-ranging from clerical to judicial perspectives-but also align with significant cultural and literary movements of their time, such as Puritanism and the early American rationalist explorations. Together, they craft a comprehensive narrative that transcends simple historical recounting and delves into the philosophical and theological underpinnings of the events. The True Story of Salem: Books 1-7 is an indispensable collection for anyone interested in the intricacies of early American history, societal dynamics, and literature. Within its pages, readers will find a multiplicity of perspectives that not only recount but scrutinize one of the most mystifying and contentious periods in American history. This collection invites scholars, students, and history enthusiasts alike to a rich academic feast that challenges perceptions and fosters a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped early American society.
Zusammenfassung
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. More than 200 people were accused, 19 of whom were found guilty and executed by hanging (14 women and 5 men). One other man, Giles Corey, was crushed to death for refusing to plead, and at least five people died in jail. It was the deadliest witch hunt in the history of colonial North America. This collection contains works that concern this infamous witch hunt and trials:The Wonders of the Invisible World by Cotton Mather and Increase MatherSalem Witchcraft by Charles Wentworth UphamSalem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather by Charles Wentworth UphamA Short History of the Salem Village Witchcraft Trials by M. V. B. PerleyAn Account of the Witchcraft Delusion at Salem in 1682 by James ThacherHouse of John Procter, Witchcraft Martyr, 1692 by William P. UphamThe Salem Witchcraft by Samuel Roberts Wells