The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were a dark and fascinating period in American history. These trials resulted in the execution of twenty people and the imprisonment of many more. Over the years, numerous books have been written about the Salem Witch Trials, exploring various aspects of this tragic event. Here, we will discuss some of the best books on the topic. 1. "A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials" by Frances Hill: This book provides an in-depth account of the events leading up to and during the Salem Witch Trials.
The Best Books on the Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials took place many centuries ago but come every October, people gain a renewed interest in the trials and all that lead up to the horrifying frenzy.
It’s one of the most fascinating and controversial periods in American history and one from which countless movies and books have drawn inspiration.
You may have seen a movie or two that moved you to wonder what the best books on the Salem Witch Trials are. Luckily, there are quite a few that are absolutely worth reading.
Some are fiction and beautifully written while others are nonfiction, factual, and thoroughly researched.
Popular movies about the witch trials include The Crucible and others, like Hocus Pocus, simply draw from them and give a unique twist.
If you’re interested in reading more about the facts of the Salem Witch Trials as well as the mass hysteria, there are numerous nonfiction titles on this list.
If you’re like me and want to read well-written novels based on the trials, I’ve included several fiction books here, too.
There are very talented authors listed here and I give a quick take on what makes each book special, so let’s get started!
"A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials" by Frances Hill: This book provides an in-depth account of the events leading up to and during the Salem Witch Trials. It offers a detailed analysis of the social, political, and religious factors that contributed to the hysteria, making it an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand the broader context of the trials. 2.
Best Fiction Books on the Salem Witch Trials
The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent
A historical novel, The Heretic’s Daughter tells the story of Martha Carrier, one of the first women accused and tried as a witch in Salem.
The story is told through the eyes of her daughter, the young Sarah Carrier.
What helps to make this book all the more interesting is that it’s written by Kathleen Kent, a 10th-generation descendant of Martha Carrier.
She researched meticulously for the book; it’s historical fiction at its finest.
It’s a gut-wrenching tale so be prepared!
The book humanizes the accused “witches”, their family members, and all the heartache they experienced during the trials.
In reading the story of the Carrier family, you can sense how grossly unfair (and ridiculous) the situation was and how it rocked every resident of Salem.
It does away with the cheesy “spookiness” we’re so often treated to when it comes to this subject and time period.
Instead, the story emphasizes the ruthlessness to which innocent women were subjected.
We’re reminded that families were indeed torn apart, women were tortured, and actual lives were taken.
The Heretic’s Daughter also highlights the human condition and the traits that allow certain people to endure persecution and ultimate death with courage and dignity.
Deeper within the story of the Salem witch trials, however, lies the tension between mother and daughter as they find it nearly impossible to understand each other.
One of my all-time favorites, Kent’s writing is not to be missed!
I was sad to close this book because I knew I’d miss the prose.
If you’re looking for an intense novel about the witch trials, this one can’t be beaten.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Set in colonial Massachusetts in 1692, The Crucible might be the most well-known piece of literature on this historical event. It’s a literary classic, and one which you probably read in high school but might not have a great recollection of.
It’s why it’s worth another read – to refresh your memory.
It’s set in Puritan New England and it does justice to the witchcraft hysteria of the times. It’s one of the best Salem witch trials books ever written about early America.
It centers around a group of young girls and how their lies brought so much destruction to their small town.
It all starts with one misguided, vengeful teenager who accuses another girl of witchcraft. From that point on, the accusations snowballeduntil they engulfed the entire town.
Mean girls are to be feared in this time and place, and it seems that no one can escape the escalating hysteria of the trials as acquaintances and enemies turn on each other to save themselves.
The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Written in 1851 by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of The Scarlet Letter, The House of Seven Gables is an American classic and an absolute must-read. It’s one of the best novels of classic literature.
The author tells the story of the mysterious Clifford Pyncheon and the Pyncheon family, a family known for generations as greedy and pompous, and forever cursed by someone who was sentenced to death during the Salem Witch Trials.
It’s a gothic novel that young readers have been reading in high school for decades. If you read this as a teen, it may have been your first foray into the magnitude of the witch frenzy.
This is a good book to read if you’re interested in book characters that tie back to what took place in New England in 1692.
Fun fact: the House of Seven Gables actually exists: it’s a real house and it inspired the author to write the novel after staying there as a guest.
In 2007, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark Destination and you can visit it yourself!
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
You’ve likely heard of Tituba before if you’ve been fascinated by the witch trials that took place in Salem.
There are many nonfiction retellings of Tituba’s life, but now she’s the center of a fictional story in this captivating novel.
Tituba, a slave from the West Indies, was accused of witchcraft and jailed for two years following the trials.
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, follows the heroine through her years on earth and puts into new perspective what life must have been like for her.
This is the story of Tituba like you’ve never read before!
Crane Pond by Richard Francis
Crane Pond is a fascinating read. You’ll get to know Samuel Sewall, a man committed to his family and his career as a conscientious judge.
His intentions are to do good in the world around him but as Salem becomes engulfed in a storm of witchcraft accusations, Sewall’s morality and good judgment are tested.
It’s a story of shame, regret, and ultimate redemption.
Based on a real-life man, Sewall actually sentenced 20 people to their deaths during the Salem Witch Trials and he grew to regret it.
This novel is different from the rest on this list in that it does not tell the story of the people accused but that of a judge and the inner workings of his mind and intentions.
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
In Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, readers get to follow Connie Goodwin, a Harvard graduate student working on her doctoral dissertation who is about to embark on something very peculiar.
Asked by her mother to help with the sale of her grandmother’s abandoned home near Salem, Connie discovers an old key with the words “Deliverance Dane” on it.
This discovery sets her off on an entangled journey to find out more, as she discovers a physick book filled with secrets.
Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is an engrossing read about Kit Tyler, a teenager who arrives in colonial Connecticut from Barbados. She’s not exactly welcome in the town and finds herself an outcast.
Soon, however, she’s befriended by another girl which gives her a smidge of hope that things might be getting better.
Unfortunately, the other townspeople suspect that her new friend is a witch. What comes next has everything to do with loyalty, love, and personal survival.
Elizabeth George Speare is an incredibly gifted writer; every sentence feels artful. She won the Newbery Medal in 1959 for this book, so you know you’re in for a real literary treat when you pick this one up from your to-be-read list!
How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather
How to Hang a Witch, a New York Times bestseller, was written by a real-life descendant of Cotton Mather, a minister whose actions bear some responsibility for what took place in Salem during the trials.
The book is an easy, entertaining read; it’s set in modern-day America and tells the tale of a high school student who is also a descendant of Cotton Mather.
A native of New York City, Samantha isn’t exactly welcomed to Salem with open arms considering her last name, especially not by the descendants of those who suffered the most during the trials many centuries ago.
How to Hang a Witch is an ingenious fictional tale that’s inspired by the misfortunes of 1962 Salem and it’s one you’ll likely enjoy as a leisurely read!
"The Witches: Salem, 1692" by Stacy Schiff: This critically acclaimed book takes a fresh and compelling approach to the Salem Witch Trials. Schiff delves into the personal lives of the key figures involved in the trials and examines the psychological and cultural factors that fueled the accusations. Through meticulous research, she brings the era and its characters to life, captivating readers with her storytelling ability. 3. "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller: Although technically a play, "The Crucible" is a must-read for anyone interested in the Salem Witch Trials. This dramatic masterpiece draws parallels between the 17th-century witch hunt and McCarthyism in 1950s America. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of mass hysteria, intolerance, and the power dynamics that can lead to tragic consequences. 4. "A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience" by Emerson W. Baker: This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Salem Witch Trials, placing them within the broader context of American history. Baker explores the unique characteristics of the trials and challenges some commonly held beliefs about the events. He skillfully interweaves political, cultural, and economic factors, shedding new light on this dark chapter in American history. 5. "The Devil in Massachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials" by Marion L. Starkey: First published in 1949, this book remains a classic in the field of Salem Witch Trials literature. Starkey meticulously examines the primary source documents and testimonies from the trials, offering a detailed and unbiased account of the events. Her thorough research and engaging narrative make this book a must-read for anyone seeking an authoritative understanding of the trials. These books provide a range of perspectives on the Salem Witch Trials, from scholarly analyses to captivating narratives. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a literature lover, or simply curious about this haunting chapter in American history, these books offer valuable insights into one of the darkest periods in American history..
Reviews for "The Dark Side of History: Books on the Salem Witch Trials Worth Exploring"
1. Sarah Smith - 1 star
I found "Best books salem witch trials" to be incredibly disappointing. The information provided was very basic and lacked depth. I was hoping for more in-depth analysis and insight into the Salem witch trials, but instead, I was presented with a surface-level overview that I could have easily found on a quick internet search. The book also lacked any new or original perspectives, making it feel outdated and irrelevant. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Salem witch trials.
2. John Thompson - 2 stars
I was expecting "Best books salem witch trials" to be a captivating read that would shed new light on this historical event. However, I found the writing style to be dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. The author seemed more interested in listing facts and dates rather than crafting a narrative that would bring the story to life. Additionally, there were several instances of inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the information presented, which made me question the book's credibility. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Emily Johnson - 2 stars
"Best books salem witch trials" fell short of my expectations. While the content was informative, I found the organization and structure of the book to be confusing and disjointed. The author jumped between various aspects of the witch trials without providing a clear connection or overarching narrative. This made it difficult to follow along and understand the progression of events. Moreover, the writing style was not engaging, and I often found myself losing interest. I believe there are better books available on the Salem witch trials that offer a more cohesive and engaging reading experience.
4. David Williams - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with "Best books salem witch trials". The book lacked any critical analysis and failed to explore the complexities and nuances of the Salem witch trials adequately. It felt more like a regurgitation of well-known facts and narratives without bringing anything new to the table. The writing style was dry and uninspiring, making it a chore to get through. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the Salem witch trials.