02693cam a22003253u 4500 50204 UtSlPG 20260610134144.0 m cr n 260607r2015||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 BF Drake, Samuel G., 1798-1875 The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination, (Vol. 1 of 3) Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2015 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2015-10-13 Produced by Dianna Adair, Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Eleni Christofaki and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was made using scans of public domain works from the University of Michigan Digital Libraries.) "The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination" by Samuel G. Drake is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work delves into the notorious witchcraft trials that plagued New England, particularly focusing on the writings of key figures like Dr. Cotton Mather and Mr. Robert Calef. The book examines the societal impacts of these trials, the beliefs surrounding witchcraft, and the eventual decline of such superstitions, making it a crucial exploration of a dark chapter in American history. At the start of the work, the author sets the stage by discussing the context in which the original texts on witchcraft were produced, particularly Mather’s "Wonders of the Invisible World." Drake outlines the strange and frightening atmosphere of the time when witchcraft accusations were rampant, leading to widespread fear and resulting in unjust prosecutions. He notes that notable figures, including ministers and judges, grappled with their beliefs about the existence of witches, reflecting a community steeped in superstition. Furthermore, the preface elaborates on the societal reaction to the decline of belief in witchcraft, suggesting that many in the community were uncomfortable admitting their historical credulity. This opening portion effectively piques interest in the witch trials and sets a reflective tone for the critical analysis that follows. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Witchcraft -- New England Calef, Robert, 1648-1719 Mather, Cotton, 1663-1728 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50204 91042 91042