A Storm of Witchcraft

A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience by Emerson W Baker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Part of Oxford University's Pivotal Moments in History series, A Storm of Witchcraft focuses on how the Salem Witch Trials both shaped—and were shaped by—America's unique history.

Professor Emerson Baker argues there was no single cause of the witch hysteria that led to the death of 25 individuals (19 hanged for witchcraft, 1 pressed to death, 5 died while in prison), and the accusal of nearly 200 others. He suggests a "perfect storm" of social, political, economic, and religious factors. From a government in disarray, to the waning of puritanism, to the constant threat of the ongoing Indian Wars, to factionalism, Massachusetts was under siege—the devil was at hand.

Balanced, extremely well-researched, and highly readable, the book is an excellent account of what happened in Essex County and vicinity 323 years ago. Recommended for anyone interested in this brief but remarkable period, the repercussions of which continue to reverberate more than three centuries later.



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