The history of the Salem witch trials is a dark and haunting chapter in American history. Taking place in the late 17th century in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts, these trials saw a wave of hysteria and persecution that resulted in the execution of 20 individuals accused of witchcraft. The events unfolded in a time of religious fervor and fear, with the Puritan community of Salem deeply entrenched in their strict beliefs and suspicion of the supernatural. The witch trials began in 1692 when a group of young girls in Salem Village, led by 11-year-old Abigail Williams and 9-year-old Elizabeth Parris, started experiencing strange behavior and convulsions. Their symptoms, which included fits, screaming, and contortions, were quickly attributed to witchcraft. As word spread, more young girls began exhibiting similar symptoms, and a sense of panic and paranoia gripped the town.
"Pam Grossman already hosts the inspiring podcast 'The Witch Wave, ' and has translated her knowledge of witchhood into relatable, inspiring memoir pages. From personal experience to intriguing knowledge, Grossman breaks the stigmas of what the entertainment industry has made witches out to be, and speaks of the spiritual journey she's discovered within the title."--Newsweek
But whether your interest lies in witches and witchcraft or feminism, culture, and gender, I believe you ll find yourself too ensnared in its spell to leave it lay long in either place. Waking the Witch weaves us into the mystery of the witch, reminding us of her familiarity through stories, symbols and the subconscious, inviting us into her world with a wink and the promise of apple.
As word spread, more young girls began exhibiting similar symptoms, and a sense of panic and paranoia gripped the town. The belief in witchcraft was not new in colonial New England. Puritans viewed it as a grave offense against God, and laws were in place to punish those believed to be practicing witchcraft.
Waking the Witch - by Pam Grossman (Paperback)
From the podcast host of The Witch Wave and practicing witch Pam Grossman--who Vulture has dubbed the "Terry Gross of witches"--comes an exploration of the world's fascination with witches, why they have intrigued us for centuries and why they're more relevant now than ever.When you think of a witch, what do you picture? Pointy black hat, maybe a broomstick. But witches in various guises have been with us for millennia. In Waking the Witch, Pam Grossman explores the impact of the world's most magical icon. From the idea of the femme fatale in league with the devil to the bewitching pop culture archetypes in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Harry Potter; from the spooky ladies in fairy tales to the rise of contemporary witchcraft, witches reflect the power and potential of women. Part cultural analysis, part memoir, Waking the Witch traces the author's own journey on the path to witchcraft, and how this has helped her find self-empowerment and purpose. It celebrates witches past, present, and future, and reveals the critical role they have played--and will continue to play--in the world as we know it. "Deftly illuminating the past while beckoning us towards the future, Waking the Witch has all the makings of a feminist classic. Wise, relatable, and real, Pam Grossman is the witch we need for our times" (Ami McKay, author of The Witches of New York).
Review Quotes
"In Pam Grossman's latest book, Waking the Witch, she reflects on her journey to becoming a witch, creating an alchemical blend of honesty, sincerity, wisdom, strength, and humor. Waking the Witch is an inspirational celebration of strength. Even if you are not a witch, you will take note of Grossman's brilliant underlying message that magic lies within us all."--Bust.com
"A must-read for anyone interested in feminism or witchcraft. Part memoir and part historical survey, this book is jam-packed full of information, yet a surprisingly quick read. Get ready to be inspired; this witchy offering might make you want to start casting spells yourself!"
--Ariel K., Powell's Books Blog
"Powerful. No one-no one!- has the ability to grab my attention and my imagination quite that way that Pam does. A beautiful, brilliant, biblio-treat, I found this is not so much a casual book for the nightstand so much as a magical grimoire/memoir for my altar. But whether your interest lies in witches and witchcraft or feminism, culture, and gender, I believe you'll find yourself too ensnared in its spell to leave it lay long in either place."--Haute Macabre
"Pam Grossman already hosts the inspiring podcast 'The Witch Wave, ' and has translated her knowledge of witchhood into relatable, inspiring memoir pages. From personal experience to intriguing knowledge, Grossman breaks the stigmas of what the entertainment industry has made witches out to be, and speaks of the spiritual journey she's discovered within the title."--Newsweek
"A fun, informative glimpse of witchcraft. Waking the Witch reflects Grossman's ability to cast her spell with memoir, storytelling, journalism, and history. Feminists will appreciate Grossman's in-depth, woman-focused history and analysis. A must-add for public and academic collections."--Booklist
"A fun study. Feminist readers will be pleased by Grossman's deconstruction of witch clichés."--Publishers Weekly
"With this brilliant offering, Pam untangles the web of the witch and invites us to explore all the aspects of ourselves that linger in the shadows. Waking the Witch weaves us into the mystery of the witch, reminding us of her familiarity through stories, symbols and the subconscious, inviting us into her world with a wink and the promise of apple. Pam reminds us of the resilience of the witch, of all we have to learn from her, and of what she has to offer us. Through both her words and practice, Pam exemplifies that now more than ever, we need to wake the witch in her magick. This book is an indispensable addition to anyone's altar or bookshelf, witch or not."--Gabriela Herstik, Author of Inner Witch: A Modern Guide to the Ancient Craft
"Pam Grossman has written a flowing history that I scarfed down like an eclair. She reminds us that witches are not monsters so much as possibilities. The archetypal, swirling symbol of 'Witch' is a guide to remind us that we are allowed to act on our desires AND congratulate ourselves for choosing to. I hope this book makes everyone who reads it ask themselves 'What do I deny myself and why?' I started this book all in, but when I read the sentence 'Show me your witches, and I'll show you your feelings about women, ' I knew I was done for."--Singer-songwriter Neko Case
"Conjuring a contemporary perspective on the witch in both fact and fiction, Pam Grossman lays the breadcrumbs, connecting the corners from devilish cohort to bubblegum hero and all the identities between. Sublime, witty and often deeply personal, she draws you into her circle, that of the Divine Feminine and her Earthly practitioners."
--Nicola Scott, Wonder Woman comics artist and co-creator of Black Magick
"My heart thrills in gratitude for this book and for everything Pam Grossman contributes to the study, practice, and pleasure of witchcraft. With rare insight and flair for nuance, Waking the Witch explores ambiguous territories few writers dare to tread. As only a practicing witch could do, Grossman engages the witch archetype even in the liminal spaces where she becomes most difficult. Witches are myths, are monsters, are sisters and sirens, and witches are REAL. Fearless and brilliant, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality with intelligence."
--Amanda Yates Garcia, Author of Initiated and Co-Host of the Strange Magic podcast
"Pam Grossman's brilliant examination of the witch in history, literature, politics, and contemporary culture provides much-needed insight into our convoluted and deeply held beliefs about feminine power. With wit and wisdom, scholarship and sass, Grossman reveals why witches both frighten and fascinate us, and why witchcraft's popularity is growing today as women reclaim their birthright after centuries of infamy. Waking the Witch is a must-read if you want to understand gender politics today or seek to enjoy a more fulfilling relationship with the women in your life. Prepare to be pleasantly awakened as you meet your own inner witch, reconnect with her origins, and see how honoring her can transform your world."--Skye Alexander, author of The Modern Guide to Witchcraft and The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book
"Deftly illuminating the past while beckoning us towards the future, Waking the Witch has all the makings of a feminist classic. Wise, relatable and real, Pam Grossman is the witch we need for our times."--Ami McKay, author of The Witches of New York
"Elegant, grounded, and warm, Pam Grossman is the perfect guide for initiation into the mysteries of the witch. Pam conjures witches from their many dwellings in history, feminism, and pop culture with care and play. Swaying among this coven is Pam herself, embodying the witch in a tender spiritual memoir woven through the cultural sense-making. Waking the Witch goes beyond edifying and enjoyable, casting a spell that might wake your own connection to magic, beauty, and meaning."
--Taisia Kitaiskaia, author of Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Women Writers and Ask Baba Yaga: Otherworldly Advice for Everyday Troubles
"A masterful and moving meditation on female power and persecution, Waking the Witch deftly lifts the veil between fact and fiction, indulging joyfully and critically in the distortions and delectations that have surrounded magical women for millennia. Pam Grossman is a beacon in the world of contemporary witchcraft and neo-paganism, and this comprehensive work grounded in scholarship and cultural criticism is brought to life through intimate stories from her own life and spiritual practice. Waking the Witch is an artful gateway into a history that is both profoundly and painfully relevant today. Whether you're intrigued by or deeply committed to the who, what, when, where, and why of the witch, this book is for you."--Kristen J. Sollée, author of Witches, Sluts, Feminists: Conjuring the Sex Positive
"The wonderful Pam Grossman takes us on a whirlwind tour of witches in history, literature, and the cinematic and visual arts, serving up much food for thought along the way. Her exploration of alchemical artists Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo is no less than brilliant. But my own favorite parts of Waking the Witch are Pam's generously-shared descriptions of her own personal journey to magic and power. Recommended!"--Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, and other books of magic
"Students and scholars will savor Waking the Witch's historicism--which is brilliant--and practitioners will thrill to its understanding and inspiration. In a world of boundless choices, this is one of the singularly finest works for understanding modern witchcraft. It will never leave my bookshelf."--Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award-winning author of Occult America and The Miracle Club
About the Author
Pam Grossman is the creator and host of The Witch Wave podcast and the author of What is a Witch. Her writing has appeared in such outlets as The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time, Ms., and her occulture blog, Phantasmaphile. She is cofounder of the Occult Humanities Conference at NYU, and her art exhibitions and magical projects have been featured in such publications as Artforum, Art in America, and The New Yorker. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their feline familiar. You can find her at PamGrossman.com and @Phantasmaphil
--Nicola Scott, Wonder Woman comics artist and co-creator of Black Magick
It is estimated that between 1620 and 1725, around 400 cases of witchcraft were recorded in the American colonies, with a majority of them occurring in New England. In the case of the Salem witch trials, the accusations primarily targeted women, particularly those who did not fit the mold of the typical Puritan housewife. Social tensions, personal rivalries, and land disputes played a significant role in fueling the witch hunt, as accusations were often made against individuals on the fringes of society. The trials themselves were marred by unfair procedures and questionable evidence. The accused were denied basic legal rights, such as the right to legal representation and the right to confront their accusers. The use of "spectral evidence," which involved the testimony of the afflicted girls claiming to see the accused as a specter or spirit, was considered valid evidence and often led to convictions. The hysteria finally began to subside when the governor of Massachusetts, William Phips, disbanded the special court established to hear the witch trials. By that time, the damage had been done. A total of 20 individuals had been executed, 19 by hanging and one by pressing. Four others died in jail while awaiting trial, and scores of people's lives had been ruined. In the aftermath of the trials, there was a collective sense of shame and regret among the people of Salem. The events were later seen as a cautionary tale of mass hysteria and the dangers of intolerance. The witch trials left a lasting impact on American culture, with countless books, plays, and films dedicated to examining and retelling the tragic events of 1692. Overall, the Salem witch trials serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of fear, prejudice, and the power of mass hysteria. The lessons learned from this dark period in history continue to resonate today, reminding us of the importance of justice, fairness, and empathy in times of uncertainty..
Reviews for "The Salem Witch Trials in Literature: Examining the Influence on American Fiction"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to reading "Examining the History of Salem Witch Trials" as I have always been fascinated by this dark chapter in American history. However, I was very disappointed with this book. The author barely scratched the surface of the topic and provided minimal analysis or insightful observations. Instead, the book seemed more like a regurgitation of well-known facts without any new perspectives or fresh ideas. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an in-depth examination of the Salem witch trials.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - As a history enthusiast, I had high expectations for "Examining the History of Salem Witch Trials," but unfortunately, it fell short. The writing style was dry and lacked engagement, making it difficult to stay interested in the subject matter. Additionally, the book lacked in-depth analysis and seemed to merely summarize well-known facts without offering any new insights. I felt like I was reading a textbook rather than a captivating historical account. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Michael - 1/5 - I found "Examining the History of Salem Witch Trials" to be incredibly tedious and uninformative. The author's writing style was dull and lacked the ability to engage the reader. The book felt like a disjointed collection of random facts and loosely related anecdotes rather than a cohesive study of the Salem witch trials. It failed to provide any significant insights or fresh perspectives on the topic. I had high hopes for this book, but it turned out to be a complete disappointment.
4. Emily - 2/5 - I was excited to delve into "Examining the History of Salem Witch Trials," but I found it to be excessively detailed and lacking a clear narrative thread. The book seemed more like a collection of dry historical records rather than a captivating exploration of the events. The author failed to convey the human aspect of the trials and the impact they had on the people involved. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disconnected from the subject matter. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating and insightful exploration of the Salem witch trials.