The Witches: Suspicion, Betrayal, and Hysteria in 1692 Salem

By Stacy Schiff

Book Overview

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and #1 bestselling author of Cleopatra comes a rich historical account unpacking the mystery of the Salem Witch Trials and the inspiration for Broadway's John Proctor is the Villain starring Sadie Sink.

It began in 1692, over an exceptionally raw Massachusetts winter, when a minister's daughter began to scream and convulse. It ended less than a year later, but not before 19 men and women had been hanged and an elderly man crushed to death.

The panic spread quickly, involving the most educated men and prominent politicians in the colony. Neighbors accused neighbors, parents and children each other. Aside from suffrage, the Salem Witch Trials represent the only moment when women played the central role in American history. In curious ways, the trials would shape the future republic.

As psychologically thrilling as it is historically seminal, The Witches is Stacy Schiff's account of this fantastical story -- the first great American mystery unveiled fully for the first time by one of our most acclaimed historians.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031620059X
• ISBN13: 9780316200592
• Release Date: September 2016
• Publisher: Back Bay Books
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book.

This book is written by an accomplished professor and is not designed to provide a watered-down account of the events that occurred in Salem. If you are interested in reading academic-level text (and are able to) this is a great book for that. If not, you will want to find something a little more simple.

A clear headed look at the Salem Witch Trials

In contrast with another reviewer, I enjoyed this. It was an even-handed look at the witch trials, giving each side its say, without belittling anyone. The subject itself is crazy enough without embellishments.

Just no.

I was not impressed with this book. I bought it looking for a history of the witch trials, some of which I got. However, the author is long winded in her descriptions and thumps from one year to another within paragraphs/even sentences, which made for an exceptionally confusing read. Please find another book to read if possible on the topic.