Customer Reviews

Hunting for Witches: A Visitor's Guide to the Salem Witch Trials

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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This is much more than just a guide book. It gives a detailed, fascinating, lucid and very readable account of what happened in Salem in 1692, from when the girls in Salem Village parsonage started going into fits to when the last accused witches were released from jail and compensation was finally paid and names cleared. With surprising subtelty, given its concision, it clarifies such issues as whether the accusing girls were hysterical or faking and what the relationships were between all the main leaders of the witch hunt. Both for people visiting Salem, who want to be taken back in time by exploring what remains from those days, and for people who would like to visit Salem but can't, this is the perfect introduction to the witch trials. With many maps and illustrations and an easy to read format, it's suitable for all ages.

I don't know how Frances Hill did it. This book is not only a useful guide for anyone planning to visit the Salem/Danvers area to visit the remaining sites associated with the hysteria of 1692, but is also the best brief account of that troubled time that you could ask for. While slim, this paperback is compelling reading and does a better job of retelling this story in a vivid fashion than most longer accounts - as well as debunking several major misconceptions about the witch trials. The witch trials are an important part of early American history, and Hill does an exemplary job of disengaging them from the sideshow/Halloween tourist aspect that Salem has pursued over the past 20 years. As an affectionado of all things New England, I can't recommend this book enough to anyone with an interest in the trials.

This book to me is a must have for any lover of Salem, or anyone interested in knowing the real story of the Witch Hunts. If you are planning a trip to Salem then this book is truly a must have as it tells you all the places to visit, what happened at those places, and most importantly directions on how to get to those places! Truly a wonderful book to have for all the information it provides.

This is a good detailed book with alot of information. Would recommend if interested in learning about the Salem "so called" witches.