Description
Narratives of the Witchcraft Cases, 1648-1706, edited by George Lincoln Burr
These narratives of witchcraft are no fairy tales. Weird as they seem to us, they were the most intense of realities to thousands of men and women in 17th century America. They were the bulletins of a war more actual, more cruel, more momentous, than any fray of flesh and blood. To count the matter a panic local to New England, or even a passing madness in the Christian world, is to take a narrow view of history.
Culminating in the notorious Salem witch trials of 1692, a rising tide of witchcraft hysteria flooded the Puritan communities of 17th-century New England. This volume recaptures the voices from both sides of the controversy with 13 original narratives by judges, ministers, the accused, and others involved in the trials and persecution of the accused.
Assembled by a distinguished historian, this volume comprises 13 original narratives by judges, ministers, government officials, and others involved in the trials and persecution of the accused. Many firsthand reports from the men and women charged with sorcery appear here, along with accounts of the evidence against them, tests for witchcraft, trials and executions, and much more. Written by such famous figures as Increase and Cotton Mather (and featuring the first publication of the latter’s “A Brand Pluck’d Out of the Burning”), the narratives include “Lithobolia, or the Stone-Throwing Devil,” by Richard Chamberlain (1698); “Memorable Providences, Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions,” by Cotton Mather (1689); “A Brief and True Narrative of Witchcraft at Salem Village,” by Deodat Lawson (1692); “A Modest Inquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft,” by John Hale (1702); and more.
A peerless source of firsthand information, this compilation offers a superb resource to anyone interested in the belief in witchcraft and its effect on colonial America.
We ship all International orders via Priority Post.
Shipping discounts available on combined orders!
Needless to say, prices are subject to change without notice.
We strive to ensure quality and satisfaction with every book sold.
Your privacy is very important to us!
We ship our items discreetly with no occult references on the package.
To view our Return Policy, Privacy Policy and/or Terms and Conditions, click here.
