The Salem witch trials literature refers to the various works of writing that have been produced over the centuries, inspired by and centered around the infamous witchcraft trials that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. These trials and the resulting hysteria have captured the imagination of writers, historians, and playwrights, with numerous works exploring the events, the people involved, and the social and cultural contexts in which they occurred. One of the earliest documented works on the subject is "Wonders of the Invisible World" by Cotton Mather, a Puritan minister who was a prominent figure during the trials. Published in 1693, Mather's book provides a firsthand account of the events, emphasizing the religious and moral implications of witchcraft. It reflects the prevailing belief at the time that witchcraft was a sin against God and that the trials were a necessary means of purging evil from society. In the 19th century, as interest in witchcraft and the occult grew, the Salem witch trials became a popular subject for sensationalist literature.
The Best Books on the Salem Witch Trials
The Salem Witch Trials took place many centuries ago but come every October, people gain a renewed interest in the trials and all that lead up to the horrifying frenzy.
It’s one of the most fascinating and controversial periods in American history and one from which countless movies and books have drawn inspiration.
You may have seen a movie or two that moved you to wonder what the best books on the Salem Witch Trials are. Luckily, there are quite a few that are absolutely worth reading.
Some are fiction and beautifully written while others are nonfiction, factual, and thoroughly researched.
Popular movies about the witch trials include The Crucible and others, like Hocus Pocus, simply draw from them and give a unique twist.
If you’re interested in reading more about the facts of the Salem Witch Trials as well as the mass hysteria, there are numerous nonfiction titles on this list.
If you’re like me and want to read well-written novels based on the trials, I’ve included several fiction books here, too.
There are very talented authors listed here and I give a quick take on what makes each book special, so let’s get started!
In the 19th century, as interest in witchcraft and the occult grew, the Salem witch trials became a popular subject for sensationalist literature. Various authors created fictionalized accounts of the trials, often embellishing the details and incorporating elements of romance and horror. One notable example is "The Salem Witchcraft, Volumes I and II" by Charles Wentworth Upham, published in 1867.
Best Fiction Books on the Salem Witch Trials
The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent
A historical novel, The Heretic’s Daughter tells the story of Martha Carrier, one of the first women accused and tried as a witch in Salem.
The story is told through the eyes of her daughter, the young Sarah Carrier.
What helps to make this book all the more interesting is that it’s written by Kathleen Kent, a 10th-generation descendant of Martha Carrier.
She researched meticulously for the book; it’s historical fiction at its finest.
It’s a gut-wrenching tale so be prepared!
The book humanizes the accused “witches”, their family members, and all the heartache they experienced during the trials.
In reading the story of the Carrier family, you can sense how grossly unfair (and ridiculous) the situation was and how it rocked every resident of Salem.
It does away with the cheesy “spookiness” we’re so often treated to when it comes to this subject and time period.
Instead, the story emphasizes the ruthlessness to which innocent women were subjected.
We’re reminded that families were indeed torn apart, women were tortured, and actual lives were taken.
The Heretic’s Daughter also highlights the human condition and the traits that allow certain people to endure persecution and ultimate death with courage and dignity.
Deeper within the story of the Salem witch trials, however, lies the tension between mother and daughter as they find it nearly impossible to understand each other.
One of my all-time favorites, Kent’s writing is not to be missed!
I was sad to close this book because I knew I’d miss the prose.
If you’re looking for an intense novel about the witch trials, this one can’t be beaten.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Set in colonial Massachusetts in 1692, The Crucible might be the most well-known piece of literature on this historical event. It’s a literary classic, and one which you probably read in high school but might not have a great recollection of.
It’s why it’s worth another read – to refresh your memory.
It’s set in Puritan New England and it does justice to the witchcraft hysteria of the times. It’s one of the best Salem witch trials books ever written about early America.
It centers around a group of young girls and how their lies brought so much destruction to their small town.
It all starts with one misguided, vengeful teenager who accuses another girl of witchcraft. From that point on, the accusations snowballeduntil they engulfed the entire town.
Mean girls are to be feared in this time and place, and it seems that no one can escape the escalating hysteria of the trials as acquaintances and enemies turn on each other to save themselves.
The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Written in 1851 by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of The Scarlet Letter, The House of Seven Gables is an American classic and an absolute must-read. It’s one of the best novels of classic literature.
The author tells the story of the mysterious Clifford Pyncheon and the Pyncheon family, a family known for generations as greedy and pompous, and forever cursed by someone who was sentenced to death during the Salem Witch Trials.
It’s a gothic novel that young readers have been reading in high school for decades. If you read this as a teen, it may have been your first foray into the magnitude of the witch frenzy.
This is a good book to read if you’re interested in book characters that tie back to what took place in New England in 1692.
Fun fact: the House of Seven Gables actually exists: it’s a real house and it inspired the author to write the novel after staying there as a guest.
In 2007, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark Destination and you can visit it yourself!
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé
You’ve likely heard of Tituba before if you’ve been fascinated by the witch trials that took place in Salem.
There are many nonfiction retellings of Tituba’s life, but now she’s the center of a fictional story in this captivating novel.
Tituba, a slave from the West Indies, was accused of witchcraft and jailed for two years following the trials.
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, follows the heroine through her years on earth and puts into new perspective what life must have been like for her.
This is the story of Tituba like you’ve never read before!
Crane Pond by Richard Francis
Crane Pond is a fascinating read. You’ll get to know Samuel Sewall, a man committed to his family and his career as a conscientious judge.
His intentions are to do good in the world around him but as Salem becomes engulfed in a storm of witchcraft accusations, Sewall’s morality and good judgment are tested.
It’s a story of shame, regret, and ultimate redemption.
Based on a real-life man, Sewall actually sentenced 20 people to their deaths during the Salem Witch Trials and he grew to regret it.
This novel is different from the rest on this list in that it does not tell the story of the people accused but that of a judge and the inner workings of his mind and intentions.
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
In Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, readers get to follow Connie Goodwin, a Harvard graduate student working on her doctoral dissertation who is about to embark on something very peculiar.
Asked by her mother to help with the sale of her grandmother’s abandoned home near Salem, Connie discovers an old key with the words “Deliverance Dane” on it.
This discovery sets her off on an entangled journey to find out more, as she discovers a physick book filled with secrets.
Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is an engrossing read about Kit Tyler, a teenager who arrives in colonial Connecticut from Barbados. She’s not exactly welcome in the town and finds herself an outcast.
Soon, however, she’s befriended by another girl which gives her a smidge of hope that things might be getting better.
Unfortunately, the other townspeople suspect that her new friend is a witch. What comes next has everything to do with loyalty, love, and personal survival.
Elizabeth George Speare is an incredibly gifted writer; every sentence feels artful. She won the Newbery Medal in 1959 for this book, so you know you’re in for a real literary treat when you pick this one up from your to-be-read list!
How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather
How to Hang a Witch, a New York Times bestseller, was written by a real-life descendant of Cotton Mather, a minister whose actions bear some responsibility for what took place in Salem during the trials.
The book is an easy, entertaining read; it’s set in modern-day America and tells the tale of a high school student who is also a descendant of Cotton Mather.
A native of New York City, Samantha isn’t exactly welcomed to Salem with open arms considering her last name, especially not by the descendants of those who suffered the most during the trials many centuries ago.
How to Hang a Witch is an ingenious fictional tale that’s inspired by the misfortunes of 1962 Salem and it’s one you’ll likely enjoy as a leisurely read!
Upham's work attempted to provide a more balanced and nuanced portrayal of the trials, drawing on historical documents and firsthand testimonies. In the 20th century, the Salem witch trials continued to captivate writers and artists, inspiring numerous plays, novels, and even films. Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" (1953) is perhaps the most famous and enduring work on the subject. Set during the trials but intended as an allegory for McCarthyism, it explores themes of mass hysteria, persecution, and the abuse of power. Other notable literary works include Marion Starkey's "The Devil in Massachusetts" (1949), a detailed historical account of the trials; Katherine Howe's novel "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" (2009), which weaves together a present-day plot with the historical events of the trials; and Stacy Schiff's "The Witches: Salem, 1692" (2015), a meticulously researched and critically acclaimed nonfiction account. The Salem witch trials literature reflects the enduring fascination and intrigue surrounding this dark chapter in American history. By exploring the complexities and nuances of the trials and their implications, these works continue to shed light on themes of justice, religion, and the human capacity for fear and persecution..
Reviews for "Analyzing the Effects of Puritanism on Salem Witch Trials Literature"
1. Rebecca - 2 stars
I found "Salem witch trials literature" to be extremely tedious and uninteresting. The constant retelling of the same events became monotonous and failed to capture my attention. Additionally, the characters were one-dimensional and lacked the depth necessary for me to connect with them. Overall, I was disappointed with this genre of literature and would not recommend it to others.
2. Jonathan - 1 star
As a history enthusiast, I was looking forward to exploring the "Salem witch trials literature." However, I found the writing style to be dry and lacking in any sort of engaging narrative. The authors seemed more focused on relaying facts and dates rather than telling a compelling story. Furthermore, the abundance of footnotes and extraneous information only served to further disconnect me from the material. I would not recommend this genre of literature to anyone seeking an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I have always been fascinated by the Salem witch trials, so I thought I would enjoy the literature surrounding it. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. The writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it a challenge to stay engaged with the material. Additionally, the lack of character development left me feeling detached from the events unfolding. While I appreciate the historical significance of the Salem witch trials, I would not recommend this genre of literature to those seeking an entertaining and gripping read.
4. Michael - 1 star
I found "Salem witch trials literature" to be an absolute bore. The repetitive nature of the accounts and the lack of any true suspense or excitement made it a struggle to get through. The writing felt stale and lacked any sort of vibrancy. I was expecting to be captivated by the history and intrigue, but was met with disappointment instead. I would not recommend this genre of literature to anyone looking for an engaging and thrilling read.