The Witches: Salem, 1692

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RichardX

Well-Known Member
Sep 26, 2006
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This is a new and well-written account of the Salem Witches from Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff. One of the better books on the topic. Lots of interesting themes covered including the isolation of citizens in the 17th century, infighting and intrigue among the residents of small communities, how superstition fills the voids created by ignorance, fear of indians etc. Hopefully someone gives a copy to Uncle Stevie as it provides some interesting fodder on a time when most folks including many very intelligent ones believed that witches flew about on brooms casting spells on people.
 
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skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
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It's always interesting when a decent book about that time comes out. Out of curiosity, does she advance the ergot theory about why the craze began and spread? I've seen that in quite a few modern books about the witch trials, and I have yet to see one that convinces me it's anything but hogwash.
 
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RichardX

Well-Known Member
Sep 26, 2006
1,737
4,434
It's always interesting when a decent book about that time comes out. Out of curiosity, does she advance the ergot theory about why the craze began and spread? I've seen that in quite a few modern books about the witch trials, and I have yet to see one that convinces me it's anything but hogwash.

I'm not completely finished with the book but she does not appear to come to a single conclusion as to the cause. Rather it appears to be a culmination of a number of different factors including isolation, infighting among a small population, commonly accepted belief in the supernatural, hysteria, religion, the influence of the harsh winters, constant fear of the Indians, and awareness of similar "witch" events such as those that occurred in Boston prior to 1692. A sort of perfect storm. The writing style and dry humor are interesting. Some people don't care for her style and I occasionally had to go back reread certain sections to follow the point being made. Ordinarily not a great sign but it works here.
 
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GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
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Cambridge, Ohio
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