About the author
Charles W. Upham was a nineteenth-century American clergyman, politician, and historian who served as mayor of Salem, Massachusetts, and later as a U.S. congressman. He is best remembered for Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects, first published in 1867, a detailed historical account of the 1692 Salem witch trials drawn from court records and local sources. The book remains one of the earliest substantial scholarly treatments of the episode, examining both the events themselves and the broader intellectual history of witchcraft belief in New England. Later editions, including reprints from Dover Publications and other presses, have kept the work in circulation for readers of colonial American history. Upham's account combines narrative history with documentary detail, making it a foundational reference for later studies of the Salem trials.
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💬 What our editors say about Charles W Upham's books
“Upham’s definitive account is exhaustive, yet its dense academic tone may alienate casual readers seeking a quick overview or dramatic flair. Those looking for lighthearted folklore or simplified modern interpretations will…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Salem Witchcraft Upham, Charles W
“Upham’s text is a dense, scholarly exploration that demands patience from its audience. While it offers an unparalleled account of the Salem Village events and their broader context, it is not a light read for those seeking…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects
