The Devil Discovered : Salem Witchcraft, 1692 [Paperback]

Enders A. Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2001

The Salem witch hunt of 1692 represents one of the grimmest events in early American history. It is the story of innocent people caught in a web of intrigue from which they could not extricate themselves. The author, himself a descendant of one of those executed, argues masterfully that the witch hunt was driven by conspiracies of envious men intent on destroying their enemies. Sanctioned by the old guard of Puritan leaders, these men arrested two hundred people for witchcraft, twenty-eight of whom were executed or died in prison. The convergence of religious, social, political, and economic forces that sparked the accusations and trials are laid out clearly and concisely, exploring the motives and relationships of those who fanned the flames of the witch hunt. Robinson also provides a closer look at the lives of seventy-five of the people accused as witches, analyzing their places in the community and shedding light on why they were targeted.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The tercentennial of the Salem witchcraft trials--1992--will surely generate a demand for materials on this topic. Robinson supports the current theory involving "highly placed" conspirators in the political and religious leadership of Salem, as well as in Boston. The work, however, focuses not on the theory, but rather on the people. It is alive with individuals bursting with emotions, foibles, and hidden agendas. To read this book is to dwell as one amongst them. There is one caveat: the lengthy descriptions of alliances and extended family ties can get overly involved and confusing. Scholars may prefer Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum's Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft ( LJ 8/74) or their Salem Witchcraft Papers (Da Capo, 1977). This book will appeal to the general public who may wish to learn and be entertained without the boring trial accounts or gory details. Recommended for public libraries.
- Suzanne C. Garrison-Terry, Dowl ing Coll. Lib., Oakdale, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Edwards (Simonson, ed.), Selected Writings of Jonathan Edwards, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577663317) and Orion, Never Again the Burning Times: Paganism Revived (ISBN 9780881338355).

Product Details

• Paperback: 382 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577661761
• ISBN-13: 978-1577661764
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,108 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars History Repeats Itself., October 11, 2011

By 

D. Peterson "Alan" (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Devil Discovered : Salem Witchcraft, 1692 (Paperback)

Great book. An in depth history of the Salem Witch trials. Written in a easy to read style.
This book makes for an intriguing read.
It is striking to see the same patterns of other historical events, where, first the week and venerable are accused and vilified. Then eventually others are brought in with further condemnation. Those doing the accusing seem always to amass more power to themselves.
I highly recommend this book.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clear, thorough, and fascinating account of the hysteria, July 14, 2006

By 

A. E. Prouty "ap" (salem, ma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Devil Discovered : Salem Witchcraft, 1692 (Paperback)

I have studied the Salem witchcraft hysteria since 1992 and this is one of the best books I have found on the topic. It is a scholarly character study that focuses upon the key players in the trials. Also, it disspells many of the myths around the trials. Meticulously researched and smoothly written, this book is more than worthy of a read!