Based on twenty-seven years of original archival research; including the discovery of previously unknown documents; this day-by-day narrative of the hysteria that swept through Salem Village in 1692 and 1693 reveals new connections behind the events; and shows how rapidly a community can descend into bloodthirsty madness. Roach opens her work with chapters on the history of the Puritan colonies of New England; and explains how these people regarded the metaphysical and the supernatural. The account of the days from January 1692 to March 1693 keeps in order the large cast of characters; places events in their correct contexts; and occasionally contradicts earlier assumptions about the gruesome events. The last chapter discusses the remarkable impact of the events; pointing out how the 300th anniversary of the trials made headlines in Japan and Australia.
#101925 in Books PublicAffairs 2008-09-23 2008-09-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.50 x 6.13l; 1.69 #File Name: 1586486411592 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. South Africa before apartheidBy B. SmithI found this a fascinating history of South Africa in the pre-Apartheid era when the Brits and Africaners and indigenous people were competing for influence and territory. I learned a lot about some major characters in SA history and about its gold and diamond industries. Very readable too.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is a great read; and does a wonderful job of explaining ...By OverheaterThis is a great read; and does a wonderful job of explaining how South Africa ended up the way it did. It's not the most detailed history of the Boer War; but it's not trying to be. It covers a long stretch of history; and explains the long relationship of the Africans; Boers; British; and the diamond and gold industries. The author provides a fascinating narrative; the pages fly by.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. History without the modern political spin.By Trevor RussellGreat read. It was exactly what I was looking for; the author gave the history of South Africa without getting bogged down in looking at it through the modern day political lens. Most books about colonization spend time denouncing it to show the reader how sorry they are for the sins of the past as if they committed them. This book just gave the facts in a concise way. The author was able to really show the contrast between the British and the Boers.
