Cotton Mather was a well-known New England Puritan minister and author who lived from 1663 to 1728. He played a significant role in the Salem witch trials, which took place in Massachusetts in 1692. Mather was a strong believer in the existence of witches and actively participated in the witchcraft accusations and trials. Mather was born into a prominent family and received an excellent education. He was fluent in several languages, including Latin and Greek, and had a deep knowledge of theology and science. He published numerous books on various subjects, including theology, science, and history.
Cotton Mather A.B. 1678 (Harvard College), A.M. 1681; honorary doctorate 1710 (University of Glasgow), was a socially and politically influential New England Puritan minister, prolific author, and pamphleteer. Cotton Mather was the son of influential minister Increase Mather. He is often remembered for his connection to the Salem witch trials.
Author of more than 450 books and pamphlets, Cotton Mather s ubiquitous literary works made him one of the most influential religious leaders in America. Perhaps Cotton s most self-damning act within the public eye was his publication of the volume The Wonders of the Invisible World, in October, 1692, after the final executions.
He published numerous books on various subjects, including theology, science, and history. During the Salem witch trials, Mather wrote extensively about the alleged presence of witches in the community. He believed that the devil was actively working to corrupt and destroy the Puritan society.
On Witchcraft: Being The Wonders Of The Invisible World 1692 (Hardcover)
On Witchcraft: Being The Wonders Of The Invisible World 1692 is a book written by Cotton Mather, a prominent Puritan minister in colonial America. The book is a compilation of Mather's sermons and writings on the subject of witchcraft, particularly the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. Mather was a strong believer in the reality of witchcraft and the existence of the devil, and his writings reflect his deeply held religious convictions. The book includes accounts of the trials, as well as Mather's own thoughts on the nature of witchcraft and how to identify and punish witches. Mather's writing is characterized by his fervent belief in the supernatural and his passionate defense of the Puritan faith. On Witchcraft is an important historical document that provides insight into the religious and cultural beliefs of colonial America, as well as the events that led to one of the most notorious episodes in American history.This Is A New Release Of The Original 1692 Edition.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
- Witchcraft (See Also Religion - Wicca)
- United States - Colonial Period (1600-1775)
- Magick Studies
- Paperback (March 30th, 2014): $27.95
- Paperback (August 23rd, 2005): $16.95
Mather saw the trials as an opportunity to cleanse the community of evil and restore the righteousness of God. Mather's influence during the trials was significant. His book, "Wonders of the Invisible World," was used as evidence in the court proceedings, and he played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. However, as the trials progressed and more innocent people were accused and executed, some began to question the legitimacy of the accusations. After the trials ended and the hysteria subsided, Mather faced criticism for his role in the events. Many believed that he had contributed to the frenzy surrounding witchcraft and had failed to speak out against the injustices. Mather defended himself, claiming that he had only sought justice and acted with the best intentions. Despite the controversy surrounding his involvement in the Salem witch trials, Cotton Mather continued his work as a minister and author until his death. He wrote numerous sermons, essays, and books on a wide range of topics, and his legacy as a prolific writer and influential figure in colonial America remains to this day..
Reviews for "Exploring Cotton Mather's Use of Biblical References in His Writings on Witchcraft"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I found "On Witchcraft Cotton Mather" to be quite boring and overly academic. The author goes into great detail about historical events and religious beliefs, but fails to engage the reader with a compelling narrative. The writing style is dry and repetitive, making it difficult to stay interested in the subject matter. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking an engaging read on the topic of witchcraft.
2. Mary - 1/5 stars - "On Witchcraft Cotton Mather" was a complete letdown for me. The author's excessive use of complicated language and dense prose made it impossible for me to fully grasp the main points being discussed. The lack of clear organization and structure further added to my confusion and frustration. I expected a book that could provide me with a deeper understanding of witchcraft during Cotton Mather's time, but instead I was left feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was excited to delve into the world of witchcraft during the time of Cotton Mather, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their extensive knowledge on the subject rather than engaging the reader. As someone new to the topic, I struggled to follow the complex discussions and found myself constantly having to refer back to previous chapters. Overall, I found "On Witchcraft Cotton Mather" to be a frustrating and inaccessible read.