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Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects — Witchcraft Wicca

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Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects

Name: Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects
Price: 29.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Upham, Charles W
ISBN: 9781497537545

✍️ Upham, Charles W

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review) 89 sold

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Step into the meticulously researched world of Charles W. Upham's seminal work, a profound exploration of the Salem Witch Trials. This expanded edition, born from the author's dedicated re-investigation, moves beyond initial lectures to offer an unparalleled, thorough account. Upham delves not only into the harrowing events of Salem Village but also traces the broader historical currents of witchcraft beliefs and related phenomena. Written with a direct, personal voice, this volume invites readers into a critical examination of fear, accusation, and justice in colonial America, informed by decades of scholarly dedication.

Upham, Charles W

📚 all books by this author (2) →

🌙

Witchcraft & Wicca

🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2014 📖 744 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781497537545

Fun Fact

Upham's 'Salem Witchcraft' stands as a towering achievement in historical scholarship, offering an unparalleled depth of detail with a surprisingly engaging, personal voice. It excels in dissecting the complex interplay of human fear, religious conviction, and legal process during a dark historical chapter. Those seeking a light read or modern interpretations of magical practice might find its academic rigor dense, yet for anyone serious about understanding the Salem trials and the broader history of witchcraft, this book is utterly essential. It remains a definitive, foundational text in the field.

📝 Description: Salem Witchcraft: With an Account of Salem Village and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects

Thank you for checking out this book by Theophania Publishing. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you soon. We have thousands of titles available, and we invite you to search for us by name, contact us via our website, or download our most recent catalogues. THIS work was originally constructed, and in previous editions appeared, in the form of Lectures. The only vestiges of that form, in its present shape, are certain modes of expression. The language retains the character of an address by a speaker to his hearers; being more familiar, direct, and personal than is ordinarily employed in the relations of an author to a reader. The former work was prepared under circumstances which prevented a thorough investigation of the subject. Leisure and freedom from professional duties have now enabled me to prosecute the researches necessary to do justice to it. The "Lectures on Witchcraft," published in 1831, have long been out of print. Although frequently importuned to prepare a new edition, I was unwilling to issue again what I had discovered to be an insufficient presentation of the subject. In the mean time, it constantly became more and more apparent, that much injury was resulting from the want of a complete and correct view of a transaction so often referred to, and universally misunderstood.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

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 narrative thrills or simple summaries of the trials. The direct, personal voice may feel overly academic to casual readers looking for dramatic retellings. This book does not suit those who prefer fictionalized accounts or quick overviews; it requires engagement with detailed historical analysis and opinions on kindred subjects. It is best approached by those willing to delve into the minutiae of colonial justice and belief systems, rather than those expecting a straightforward narrative of events without deeper sociological inquiry.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers deeply invested in the psychological and sociological underpinnings of mass hysteria will find immense value in Upham’s meticulous re-investigation. This volume is ideal for those who wish to look past the sensationalism of popular culture to understand the genuine fear, accusation, and complex justice mechanisms of colonial America. By tracing broader historical currents of witchcraft beliefs, it offers a profound, scholarly perspective that rewards patience with a critical examination of how community dynamics can spiral into tragedy. It is essential for historians, occultists interested in the roots of Western esoteric persecution, and anyone seeking to comprehend the dark legacy of Salem through rigorous, decades-long academic dedication rather than fleeting myth.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the shadowed corners of American history, fascinated by the psychology of mass hysteria, or seek a definitive account of the Salem Witch Trials, this volume is an indispensable addition to your library. It's for the serious student and the curious explorer alike.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

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 narrative thrills or simple summaries of the trials. The direct, personal voice may feel overly academic to casual readers looking for dramatic retellings. This book does not suit those who prefer fictionalized accounts or quick overviews; it requires engagement with detailed historical analysis and opinions on kindred subjects. It is best approached by those willing to delve into the minutiae of colonial justice and belief systems, rather than those expecting a straightforward narrative of events without deeper sociological inquiry.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is a classic historical account from the 19th century, penned by Charles W. Upham, focusing specifically on the Salem Witch Trials and the historical context of witchcraft beliefs up to his time.

This edition represents a vastly expanded and thoroughly re-researched presentation. Upham himself considered his earlier 'Lectures on Witchcraft' insufficient, and he dedicated significant leisure time to ensure this version offered a comprehensive and just treatment of the subject.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

The Salem Catastrophe

Upham provides an exhaustive, blow-by-blow account of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, dissecting the accusations, trials, and executions. He explores the social dynamics, religious fervor, and personal tragedies that unfolded, offering a vivid yet analytical reconstruction of one of America's most infamous historical episodes.

Evolution of Witchcraft Beliefs

Beyond Salem, this work contextualizes the trials within the larger history of witchcraft. Upham traces the changing perceptions of magic, demonic influence, and supernatural phenomena across different eras and cultures, revealing how these broader intellectual currents shaped the specific horrors witnessed in colonial Massachusetts.

Rigorous Historical Inquiry

This edition showcases Upham's commitment to thorough scholarship. Dissatisfied with his earlier, less complete presentations, he undertook extensive new research. The book reflects his personal journey of discovery, moving from initial lecture notes to a comprehensive, deeply investigated historical narrative that prioritizes accuracy and depth.

📜 Historical context

First appearing as lectures in 1831, Upham's work on Salem witchcraft quickly became a foundational text. This expanded edition, however, represents his mature and exhaustive scholarship, published after decades of further research. It sits within a tradition of critical historical analysis, moving beyond mere narrative to scrutinize the socio-religious underpinnings of one of America's most perplexing historical episodes.

📚 Glossary

Witchcraft
Salem Village
Theophania Publishing

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on how mass hysteria, as seen in Salem, can manifest in contemporary society. What safeguards, if any, do we have against similar outbreaks?
Upham's work evolved over time. Consider a belief or understanding you once held that, upon deeper investigation, proved to be insufficient. What did you learn from the process of re-evaluation?
The Salem trials were fueled by specific religious and societal structures. How do our current societal frameworks, or lack thereof, influence our collective understanding and judgment of 'deviant' beliefs or behaviors?