audiobook American Abolitionists by Stanley Harrold in History

Description

Demonic Possession on Trial demonstrates that the phenomenon of demonic possession reflects a society's cultural characteristics; intellectual perceptions; religious concerns; and popular beliefs. In this work; William Coventry analyzes seven legal cases of alleged demonic possession from England and colonial America during the late sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These examples reveal the political and religious rivalries; medical controversies; and inter-communal conflicts that influenced the development and prosecution of the cases. The book also sheds light on the Salem proceedings; which many times have been viewed only in their distinctive and radical sense. The Massachusetts colonists brought their opinions; memories; traditions; and laws over from England; so these earlier cases almost certainly affected the mindset at Salem. After describing and comparing these case studies; the author draws some interesting conclusions. Though possession cases all shared certain commonalities; the fascinating interplay of diverse influences and issues created vastly different outcomes; culminating with the executions during the Salem witchcraft trials.