The Devil in Massachusetts by Marion Lena StarkeyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
If one really wants to learn about the infamous Salem witch trials this is the place to start. This gives a thorough accounting of the witch trials that took place in Salem Village(present day Danvers, Massachusetts) in colonial Massachusetts in 1692-1693. When the daughters of the local minister fell ill the local doctor diagnosed the with "bewitchment". The ensuing investigation eventually overcame the community and surrounding area. Many accused witches were only spare lives if they repented and confessed. In turn they would accuse others of witchcraft which had a snowball effect. In the end nineteen men and women were hanged, one was crushed by stone trying to get to talk and seven more died awaiting trial in prison.The trials ended as more sensible voices were heard and remaining accused were eventually set free. Years later the Massachusetts colony admitted error and compensated many victims but everyone was forever changed. It has become a symbol of mass hysteria and persecution. Reminiscent of the "McCarthyism" in the early 1950's.
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