The Story of the Salem Witch Trials

The Story of the Salem Witch Trials provides an accessible and comprehensive overview of the events between June 10 and September 22, 1692, when nineteen people were hanged, one was pressed to death, and over 150 were jailed for practicing witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. It places the trials into the context of the Great European Witch-Hunt and relates them to witch-hunting throughout seventeenth-century New England. The third edition has been updated to include an expanded section on the European origins of witch-hunts, an updated and expanded epilogue, and an extensive bibliography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 24 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Story of the Salem Witch Trials delves into the historical events that unfolded between June 10 and September 22, 1692, in Salem, Massachusetts. Nineteen individuals were executed by hanging, one was subjected to pressing to death, and over 150 were incarcerated for practicing witchcraft during this period. This comprehensive book offers a thorough exploration of the history behind these trials, drawing upon the latest scholarship in the field. It contextualizes the trials within the broader context of the Great European Witch-Hunt and establishes connections between the events of 1692 and witch-hunting practices throughout seventeenth-century New England. In its third edition, this text has been extensively revised and updated. It includes an expanded section on the European origins of witch-hunts, a newly revised and expanded epilogue that examines the enduring legacy of witch-hunts in historical and cultural contexts, and an extensive bibliography.

Written in a remarkably accessible style, The Story of the Salem Witch Trials captivates readers from start to finish. Author Bryan Le Beau employs a powerful narrative to convey the depth of the drama surrounding the trials. While providing a detailed account of the events, Le Beau maintains a broad perspective, allowing the historical characters to speak for themselves whenever possible. By highlighting the decisions made by individuals responsible for the trials, Le Beau sheds light on the factors that transformed a seemingly minor incident into a crisis that has captured the imagination of scholars of American history.

This third edition of The Story of the Salem Witch Trials is an invaluable resource for students and scholars alike. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of women's and gender history, colonial American history, and early modern history. Whether one is seeking a deeper understanding of these historical events or exploring the broader themes of witch-hunting and societal dynamics, this book provides a wealth of insights and perspectives.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367637774
Edition number: 3 ed