Customer Reviews

The Salem Witch Trials: A Reference Guide

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Despite the fact that the typeface on cover of this book is perhaps too reminiscent of Bram Stoker's classic novel, this is a solid, "no nonsense" reference work. It does not attempt to sway or influence the reader's opinion of the Salem witchcraft trials episode, but instead offers a precise, objective overview of all its events, complete with a wide variety of academic interpretations, representative original documents, key biographies and various other related bonus materials. When used in a classroom setting, or as a general reference on the subject, this edition eliminates the need for separately published collections of primary sources -- an indispensable quality for any introductory book.

As an educator for 25 years teaching colonial New England, I was excited to see this book being published. I received my copy and I feel it is the best resource there is on the witchcraft trials. All the information you need is here.

This book is a very good choice to start with for anyone who is interested in what took place during the Salem Witch Trials in Salem, MA 1692. It offers fact of the happenings in Salem Village at the time and also offers the speculations of others who have studied the subject with leaving room for the reader to make their own thoughts of what happened during this dreadful time in New England history.

I took a class recently on the Salem Witch Trials and this was the textbook we used. I found the class and the book very interesting and I live in the Salem area so truly some bits I hadn't heard before. Great book.