Salem: Place, Myth, and Memory

by Dane Anthony Morrison (Editor)

How is a sense of place created, imagined, and reinterpreted over time? That is the intriguing question addressed in this comprehensive look at the 400-year, multi-layered history of Salem, Massachusetts, and the experiences of fourteen generations of people who lived in a place forever enshrined, indeed mythologized, in the public imagination by the horrific witch trials and executions of 1692 and 1693. By exploring the rich textures of Salem as a local, national, and global entity from its settling in 1626 to the present, this highly original, cohesive, and teachable collection Illuminates how people influence a place and how a place influences its people. arts, and popular culture with compelling photographs to examine Salem's many-sided urban identities over four centuries: frontier outpost of European civilization, cosmopolitan seaport, gateway to the Far East, mecca of exceptional architecture, refuge for religious diversity, center for education, and Witch City tourist attraction. This passage through Salem's long history - its people, legacies, and myths - challenges readers to reconsider the multiple meanings of any place. For courses in American studies, this unique work will deepen one's understanding of how a place's present resonates with its past; and, for the general reader, it will enrich the experience of visitors touring Salem's historic sites and vibrant cultural institutions.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction

348 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 2004

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mention Salem, Massachusetts and the first thought for most people turns to the witch trials. But Salem was much more than just a Puritan Massachusetts. Salem: Place, Myth, and Memory presents a series of essays showing facets of the city from a number of viewpoints and timeframes, not the least of which was how native-son Nathaniel Hawthorne characterized it in his writings. Intended for students of local history or American studies, the book looks at a single municipality across the expanse of time. It was an entertaining read.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good guide for one invested in the history of Salem. More in-depth than a mere travel guide, this explores the city's sense of place and contributing factors that make up modern-day Salem. Each chapter is an essay written by knowledgeable historians, specialists, even a crime writer. The book gives the reader an overview of Salem as a maritime empire, Salem as "Witch City," Salem as Hawthorne's vision, etc. It explores the different changes that shaped the city as we now know it. The information is analytical and factual.

[Lee Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear book, it's not you, it's me. I won't be finishing this book. Salem's history is interesting, yes, but I thought I might read this whole book when I was only trying to do research on modern Salem witchcraft for my novel. The eleventh chapter was thus useful to me, but the rest just gave me headaches. I'm sorry, dear writers who took the time to put this book together.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good if you are planning a historical trip to Salem, MA