The result of a perfect storm of factors that culminated in a great moral catastrophe; the Salem witch trials of 1692 took a breathtaking toll on the young English colony of Massachusetts. Over 150 people were imprisoned; and nineteen men and women; including a minister; were executed by hanging. The colonial government; which was responsible for initiating the trials; eventually repudiated the entire affair as a great "delusion of the Devil."In Satan and Salem; Benjamin Ray looks beyond single-factor interpretations to offer a far more nuanced view of why the Salem witch-hunt spiraled out of control. Rather than assigning blame to a single perpetrator; Ray assembles portraits of several major characters; each of whom had complex motives for accusing his or her neighbors. In this way; he reveals how religious; social; political; and legal factors all played a role in the drama. Ray’s historical database of court records; documents; and maps yields a unique analysis of the geographic spread of accusations and trials; ultimately showing how the witch-hunt resulted in the execution of so many people―far more than any comparable episode on this side of the Atlantic.In addition to the print volume; Satan and Salem will also be available as a linked e-book offering the reader the opportunity to investigate firsthand the primary sources and maps on which Ray’s groundbreaking argument rests.
#2997953 in Books University of Virginia Press 1998-08-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.25 x .75l; .90 #File Name: 0813918286209 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Interesting CharactorBy R. Scott PearsonWilly Pegram is a side note to most historians but this book shows how a young; committed soldier; can rise to greatness and respect. It is a good read and shows some of the hardships the artillery branch of the confederacy faced. Some things were glossed over like how he got new equipment for his batteries and horses where others struggled but that is minor to the depth shown of Willy's charactor. I would recommend this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very informative. It is about one of my ancestors ...By JanVery informative. It is about one of my ancestors; so I got some genealogy out of it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... books which describes the life and career of this amazing man.By J. Stephen PeekOne of two books which describes the life and career of this amazing man.
