Cursed in New England: More Stories of Damned Yankees
A collection of regional New England folklore detailing historical curses, unexplained afflictions, and preternatural revenge.
Joseph A. Citro gathers regional folklore detailing spoken maledictions and mysterious disasters throughout the six New England states. The accounts trace historical incidents ranging from early Massachusetts wizardry and Connecticut's village of the damned to mysterious disappearances, blights, and river legends across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The book examines forgotten regional legends alongside well-known tales, concluding with an Anglican commination service text and historical source notes.
Rooted in the historical folklore of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, these accounts draw on traditional Yankee lore. The material reflects regional storytelling traditions, early Anglican religious services, and local historical records from rural villages to Boston Harbor.
📝 Description: Cursed in New England: More Stories of Damned Yankees
📑 What's inside
- Preface
- Damned Yankees: An Introduction
- "A Dreadful Wizard" (Salem, MA)
- The Burton Ail (Albany, NH)
- The Saga of the Saco River (Saco-Biddeford region, NH)
- A Blighted Campaign (Odanak, NH)
- The Phantom Foot (Bucksport, ME)
- The Missing Man (West Cambridge, MA)
- Connecticut's Village of the Damned (Cornwall, CT)
- Nix's Mate (Boston Harbor Islands, MA)
- That Old Sand Farm (Freeport, ME)
- No Mercy from Mercie Dale (Waterville, ME)
- Fate and the Phoenix (Lake Champlain, VT)
- The Witch and the Virgin (Pepperell, MA)
- The Tree of Knowledge (Duxbury, MA)
- An Idol Revenge (Naples, ME)
- Haunted Waters (Brunswick, VT)
- A Shadow Over Crompton (West Warwick, RI)
- The Crash of Camelot (Boston, MA)
- A Cluster of Curses: An Epilogue
- Appendix: A Portion of an Anglican "Commination Service"
- Sources
- Acknowledgments
- Index
- About the Author
- About the Illustrator
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers fascinated by the intersection of history and the supernatural will find this collection deeply engaging. It appeals to those who appreciate regional folklore, particularly the specific maledictions associated with New England's states. If you enjoy tales of vanishing families, mysterious ailments, or inexplicable blights that defy logical explanation, this book offers a compelling look at the sinister forces alleged to haunt these landscapes. It is perfect for anyone who prefers their history served with a side of eerie speculation, inviting them to ponder whether bad luck was merely coincidence or the result of potent imprecations.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Joseph A. Citro provides a meticulous recounting of lesser-known and famous curses across New England. While the subject matter is undeniably intriguing for occult enthusiasts, this book may not suit readers seeking rigorous academic analysis or scientific debunking of paranormal claims. Those looking for fictional horror narratives will also find it lacking, as these are presented as genuine historical accounts. However, for casual readers interested in atmospheric storytelling and regional myths, it serves as an accessible and chilling introduction to the darker side of Yankee folklore without requiring extensive prior knowledge of esoteric traditions.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're drawn to the shadowy corners of American history, crave authentic regional ghost stories, or are fascinated by the enduring power of folklore and curses, this collection is for you. Prepare to be captivated by tales that blur the line between misfortune and malevolent intent.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Regional Dark Folklore
Citro masterfully compiles preternatural narratives specific to each New England state. He explores how local geography and history intertwine with supernatural retribution, providing a mosaic of regional anxieties and beliefs. Readers will discover unique haunting traditions from Vermont to Massachusetts, each deeply rooted in its local landscape and community memory.
The Power of Maledictions
This collection examines the profound impact of genuine curses, distinguishing them from common profanity. It showcases how deliberate invocations of harm have historically manifested in devastating events, from unexplained disappearances to widespread afflictions. The book delves into the very real fear and consequences associated with these potent pronouncements of ill will.
Unexplained Phenomena
Citro presents a series of occurrences that defy rational explanation, leaving readers to question the boundaries of reality. Whether it's a mysterious blight, a sudden madness, or a deadly river, the book highlights instances where scientific understanding falls short, suggesting supernatural forces or fate might be at work behind these unsettling events.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Malediction
- Preternatural
- Yankee Lore
📔 Questions to reflect on
- Consider a local legend or unexplained event from your own region. How might it compare to the New England curses described by Citro?
- If you were a witness to one of the 'cursed' events in the book, how might you have explained it before the advent of modern science?
- Reflect on the power of belief: how might the collective conviction in a curse contribute to its perceived manifestation or impact on a community?
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