Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts

In 1692 and 1693, Salem Village, Massachusetts, was plagued by a mysterious affliction of two young girls that spread to other young women, leading to 200 people being accused and 30 being found guilty, twenty of whom were executed. Killing the Witches explores how the Puritan tradition and the power of early American ministers shaped the origins of the United States, influencing the founding fathers, the American Revolution, and the Constitutional Convention. The repercussions of Salem continue to the present day, notably in the real-life story behind The Exorcist and in contemporary "witch hunts" driven by social media.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: St Martin's Press

Killing the Witches delves into one of the most chilling and enigmatic chapters in American history, the events of 1692 and 1693 in Salem Village, Massachusetts. Initially, a mysterious affliction struck two young girls, causing them to experience violent fits and exhibit peculiar behavior. However, this affliction swiftly spread to other young women, engulfing Salem in a wave of rumors and accusations of demonic possession and witchcraft. As the hysteria escalated, over 200 individuals were accused of witchcraft, leading to the arrest of three women. Tragically, as the panic spread, twenty individuals were executed, while others faced imprisonment or endured the ruin of their lives.

Killing the Witches unfolds the dramatic narrative of how the Puritan tradition and the influence of early American ministers shaped the origins of the United States. It profoundly impacted the founding fathers, the American Revolution, and even the Constitutional Convention. The echoes of Salem resonate to this day, notably in the real-life story behind The Exorcist and in contemporary "witch hunts" fueled by social media. This captivating book explores the interplay between good and evil, community panic, and the overwhelming power of fear to distort reality and reason.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 233 x 154 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250283320