The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials

The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials
by Marion L. Starkey

The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials
List Price: $14.95
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Book Summary Information

Author: Marion L. Starkey
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1989-09-05
ISBN: 0385035098
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Anchor
Product features:

Book Reviews of The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials

Book Review: An Informative Read
Summary: 4 Stars

I recently became interested in Salem Witch trials and related subjects, and Starkey's "The Devil in Massachusetts" was recommended to me as a starting point. And, it was an interesting read. It is the first book to which I would read about the witch trials in 1692 Salem.

I also find it interesting to learn about the reactions from the locals and authorities to hysteria or paranoia regarding "witches" in Salem and relating tales. It involved a look at the social background from both accused and the accusers during this time period. It almost reminds me of reading about the mass hysteria of Chinese society of 1768 in Philip Kuhn's Soulstealers: The Chinese Sorcery Scare of 1768.

This book was first published in 1949, and it is roughly 300 pages with twenty-two chapters. The writing style almost read as a historical scholarly article as it is almost wordy. However, the information lies within interests me to inquire further on the subject to which the "selected bibliography" was helpful for starting a research.

In my opinion, it is very informative reading, and it is certainly shows one example of a mass hysteria that can happen in any town or society.

Summary of The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials

This historical narrative of the Salem witch trials takes its dialogue from actual trial records but applies modern psychiatric knowledge to the witchcraft hysteria. Starkey's sense of drama also vividly recreates the atmosphere of pity and terror that fostered the evil and suffering of this human tragedy.

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