33 pages • 1 hour read
Paul S. BoyerSalem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1974A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.