Witch-hunt : mysteries of the Salem witch trials

**Salem, Massachusetts, 1692.** In a plain meetinghouse, a woman stands before her judges. The accusers, girls and young women, are fervent, overexcited, just on the edge of breaking out into convulsions. The accused is a poor, unpopular woman who had her first child before she was married. As the trial proceeds, the girls begin to wail, tear their clothing, and scream that the woman is hurting them. Some of them expose wounds to the horrified onlookers, holding out the pins that have stabbed them -- pins that have appeared as if by magic. Are the girls acting, or are they really tormented by an unseen evil? Whatever the cause, the nightmare in Salem has begun: The witch trials will eventually claim twenty-five lives, shatter the community, and forever shape the American social conscience. Acclaimed historian Marc Aronson sifts through the facts, myths, half-truths, misinterpretations, and theories around the Salem witch trials to present us with a vivid narrative of one of the most compelling mysteries in American history. __Witch-Hunt__ is a brilliant book that will stimulate and challenge readers to come to their own conclusions about what really happened during those terrifying months of accusations, trials, and executions.

Salem, Massachusetts, 1692. In a plain meetinghouse a woman stands before her judges. The accusers, girls and young women, are fervent and overexcited. The accused is a poor, unpopular woman who had her first child before she was married. As the trial proceeds the girls begin to wail, tear their clothing, and scream that the woman is hurting them. Some of them expose wounds to the horrified onlookers, holding out the pins that have stabbed them — pins that appeared as if by magic. Are they acting or are they really tormented by an unseen evil? Whatever the cause, the nightmare has begun: The witch trials will eventually claim twenty-five lives, shatter the community, and forever shape the American social conscience.

Publishers Weekly

In a starred review, PW wrote, The author dramatically and convincingly sets the stage for the now infamous 1692 Salem witch trials, then ably deconstructs much of the misinformation that has been perpetuated through popular theories and personalities (e.g., Tituba, etc.). Ages 12-up. (Aug.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Of dark forests and midnight thoughts Boston, 1688 : the possession of the Goodwin children Two Salem families, 1641-1692 Two mysteries The mysteries end and the hearings begin The accuser: Ann Putnam, Jr. The one and the many From hearings to trials The man in black Choosing death with a quiet conscience That no more innocent blood be shed A great delusion of Satan. Note to the Reader x ..............2994 Of Dark Forests ..............3001 Boston 1688 ..............3023 Two Salem Families 16411692 41 ..............3043 Two Mysteries 55 ..............3057 The Mysteries End ..............3075 The Accuser Ann Putnam Jr 89 ..............3091 The One and the Many 103 ..............3107 What happened in Salem? Sifting through the facts, myths, half-truths, misinterpretations and theories the book presents a vivid narrative of one of the mysteries of American history. Like all children, Ann Putnam Jr. must have grown up listening to her parents, her relatives, and their friends tell stories.