In the Devil's Snare

In the Devil’s Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692 by Mary Beth Norton is an examination of the infamous Salem witch trials. It analyzes the social, political, and religious factors that caused the crisis to reach unprecedented levels. Norton argues that the English colonists’ war with the Wabanaki confederacy on the Maine frontier was the catalyst that created the conditions for the crisis. Norton, Professor Emeritus of American History at Cornell University, has written extensively about colonial history and, owing to her academic background, is an authority on the subject. Originally published in 2002, In the Devil’s Snare received the Ambassador Book Award for its contribution to the understanding of life and culture in America. It was also named a Best Book of the Year by the Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and Newsday.

This guide refers to the 2003 paperback edition of the book.

Content Warning: Since Norton describes events as the colonial settlers experienced them in 1692, she mentions the dated and derogatory terms that they had for Indigenous peoples. These terms are replicated in this guide in direct quotations of the source material, and the guide discusses the settlers’ views and mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.