The Story of the Salem Witch Trials

by Bryan F. Le Beau

Between June 10 and September 22, 1692, nineteen people were hanged for practicing witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. One person was pressed to death, and over 150 others were jailed, where still others died. The Story of the Salem Witch Trials is a history of that event. It provides a much needed synthesis of the most recent scholarship on the subject, places the trials into the context of the Great European Witch-Hunt, and relates the events of 1692 to witch-hunting throughout seventeenth century New England. This complex and difficult subject is covered in a uniquely accessible manner that captures all the drama that surrounded the Salem witch trials. From beginning to end, the reader is carried along by the author’s powerful narration and mastery of the subject. While covering the subject in impressive detail, Bryan Le Beau maintains a broad perspective on events, and wherever possible, lets the historical characters speak for themselves. Le Beau highlights the decisions made by individuals responsible for the trials that helped turn what might have been a minor event into a crisis that has held the imagination of students of American history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 1997

Reviews

[Ari]

This book goes over the events of the Salem Witch Trials. With one person pressed to death and over 150 people jailed the book provides information on one of the most complex portions of New Englnsd history in the 1600s. It also goes into depth about the Great European Witch-Hunt and witch hunting through the 17th century.

[Amy Lazet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-sourced, academic account of the trials, utilizing primary sources and placing the incident within the global context of witch trials occurring at the time in Europe.