Award-winning historian Mary Beth Norton reexamines the Salem witch trials in this startlingly original; meticulously researched; and utterly riveting study. In 1692 the people of Massachusetts were living in fear; and not solely of satanic afflictions. Horrifyingly violent Indian attacks had all but emptied the northern frontier of settlers; and many traumatized refugees—including the main accusers of witches—had fled to communities like Salem. Meanwhile the colony’s leaders; defensive about their own failure to protect the frontier; pondered how God’s people could be suffering at the hands of savages. Struck by the similarities between what the refugees had witnessed and what the witchcraft “victims†described; many were quick to see a vast conspiracy of the Devil (in league with the French and the Indians) threatening New England on all sides. By providing this essential context to the famous events; and by casting her net well beyond the borders of Salem itself; Norton sheds new light on one of the most perplexing and fascinating periods in our history.
#668031 in Books Susan Jacoby 2016-02-16 2016-02-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.53 x 1.61 x 6.40l; 1.25 #File Name: 0375423753512 pagesStrange Gods A Secular History of Conversion
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Necessary Examination of Religious Conversions from a Secular Perspective.By Daniel G. HeltonStrange Gods is the fourth book of Susan Jacoby's I have read. This fact alone attests both to my belief that she is an excellent writer and that I am drawn to the kinds of subject matter that she expertly studies and adeptly analyzes. At first I thought Strange Gods was a bit of a departure from the subjects she explored in The Age of American Unreason; Freethinkers and The Great Agnostic. After all; why should a self-avowed atheist concern herself with religious conversions? By the second chapter; in which she explores the bizarre marriage between pagan empire and the particularly intolerant brand of Christianity that became Roman Catholicism; the reasons she was drawn to this subject became clear. And while most histories of large scale societal or accounts of individual conversions are written from the perspective of the religious convert or proselytizer; a secular history of these phenomenons is more than useful; it is necessary for anyone who wants to understand the influence over individuals and societies alike magical and phantasmagorical thinking continues to possess. Having studied fourth century Christianity for my recent novel; The Secular Gospel of Sophia; I found in Strange Gods confirmation of some of the themes I explored there. Well done. Highly recommended0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Rich Rewarding History of Religious ConversionBy David PSusan Jacoby is a master writer. The book is rich with insight; appropriate respect; and even a few touches of well placed humor. Jacoby makes history come alive. Her research and knowledge base are impressive. Using a study of conversion experiences; both voluntary and forced; Jacoby reveals the social psychology of religious faith. If you are interested in the history of Europe; the history of the Christian Church; the social psychology of religion; or the history of the conflicts between Christianity; Judaism and Islam; this is the book to read. I could not put it down.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Incredible ScholarshipBy Karen GarstAs always Susan Jacoby's thorough knowledge of her subject comes through on the first page. While the book is very well researched and footnoted as an academic work; it reads easily and captivates. It constantly amazes me how people can be so cruel to one another in the name of a "loving god."
