33 pages • 1 hour read
Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft
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Book Brief
231
Book • Nonfiction
Salem, Massachusetts • 1690s
1974
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Salem Possessed by Paul S. Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum is an academic work focusing on the social origins of the Salem witch trials in Salem Village from the 1640s to the early eighteenth century, emphasizing the period from autumn 1691 through summer 1692. The authors argue that Salem Village's unique religious, economic, and demographic characteristics fostered a community split between traditional agriculturalists and emerging commercial interests, leading to the witch hysteria that resulted in the execution of twenty people.
Mysterious
Dark
Informative
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,517 ratings
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Review Roundup
Paul S. Boyer's Salem Possessed is widely praised for its insightful social and economic analysis of the Salem witch trials. Critics commend its thorough research and detailed narrative. Some find its academic tone dense, potentially challenging for general readers. Nonetheless, it is esteemed for its significant contribution to understanding historical context and communal dynamics in early America.
Who Should Read Salem Possessed?
A reader who would enjoy Paul S. Boyer's Salem Possessed is likely fascinated by American history, particularly the social and cultural dynamics of the Salem witch trials. They would appreciate the nuanced examination of historical events, much like fans of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter or Stacy Schiff's The Witches.
1,517 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thomas Putnam, Jr.
Thomas Putnam, Jr.
A wealthy farmer facing financial challenges and familial disinheritance, he leads a faction in Salem Village. His family becomes central to the witch trials, with his daughter and wife among the first accusers.
Israel Porter
Israel Porter
Head of the influential Porter family, whose economic activities are tied to Salem Town rather than the Village. He plays a strategic role in village politics and leads the anti-Parris faction opposing the village's independence.
The Accusers
The Accusers
A group of adolescent girls, led by the Putnam family, who initiate the witch trials in Salem by exhibiting strange behavior and naming supposed witches. Their accusations primarily target those from the commercially active eastern side of the Village.
The Witches
The Witches
Residents of the east side of the Village who are accused of witchcraft, often seen as outsiders due to their backgrounds or circumstances. They tend to belong to the anti-Parris faction, though key figures like the Porters remain untouched due to their social standing.
231
Book • Nonfiction
Salem, Massachusetts • 1690s
1974
Adult
18+ years
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