The Salem Witch Trials: Decoding Cotton Mather's Motives

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Cotton Mather and the witchcraft epidemic in Salem Cotton Mather, a prominent Puritan minister and scholar, played a significant role in the infamous witchcraft epidemic that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. While not directly involved in the trials, Mather's influence and writings helped fuel the fervor surrounding the accusations and executions. Mather was known for his strong belief in the supernatural and the existence of witches. He viewed witchcraft as a serious sin and believed that it posed a threat to the community. Mather's book, "Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions," published in 1689, detailed his beliefs in witchcraft and served as a source of inspiration for those involved in the Salem witch trials. Mather's support for the trials can be seen in his correspondence with the judges and his published sermons.


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Mather's support for the trials can be seen in his correspondence with the judges and his published sermons. In one letter to the judges, Mather urged them to proceed with caution but also reminded them of the importance of prosecuting those guilty of witchcraft. He saw the trials as an opportunity to purify the community and rid it of evil forces.

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8vo. Hardcover. Six Volumes (Missing Volumes 7 and 8). Vol 1 (1953, Fifth Printing) pp. 408. Vol 2 (1942, Revised) pp. 407. Vol 3 (1943, Revised) pp. 416. Vol 4 (1945, Revised) pp. 416. Vol 5 (1948, Revised) pp. 417. Vol 6 (1954, First Printing)) pp. 409. In very good condition. Cloth boards with gilt title on cover. Volumes have faded spines and some fading to the covers. Gilt has oxidized and faded partially. Spines have light rubbing to their ends and some corners slightly bumped. Pages themselves are clean and unmarked. Volumes 2, 3 and 4 also have numbered stickers on their front end-papers. Overall in very good condition. The Tarbell Course in Magic is a notable encyclopedia of magic amongst professional and amateur magicians. It has eight volumes; the first five were part of the original home-study correspondence course compiled in 1928 by Harlan Tarbell, the remaining three volumes being added on later. This magic volume series was originally designed as a correspondence course for budding magicians. Once they were collected and bound, the series has become an unparalleled reference standard for magicians. In its impact on the magic world, it is second perhaps in its influence on the art of magic only to Hoffman's Modern Magic, and many professional magicians have based their careers on the Tarbell Course. Seller Inventory # 036648

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Tarbell Course in Magic (Volumes 1-6 .
Publisher: Louis Tannen, New York
Publication Date: 1953
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good

Cotton mather and the witchcraft epidemic in salem

It is important to note, however, that Mather also advocated for a fair and just trial process. He believed that the accused witches should have the opportunity to defend themselves and that proper evidence should be presented before passing judgment. Mather's intention was not to advocate for mass hysteria or unjust persecution, but rather to address what he perceived as a serious threat to the community. Despite his efforts to maintain some level of reason and fairness, Mather's influence contributed to the mass hysteria and wave of accusations that swept through Salem. His belief in witchcraft and his role as a respected minister made his words and opinions highly influential to the community. In conclusion, Cotton Mather's beliefs and writings on witchcraft played a significant role in the witchcraft epidemic in Salem. While he advocated for a fair trial process, his support for the prosecution of those accused of witchcraft fueled the fervor and hysteria that ultimately led to the tragedy of the Salem witch trials..

Reviews for "Cotton Mather's Sermons: Igniting the Flames of Witchcraft Panic in Salem"

1. Jane - 1 star - I found "Cotton Mather and the Witchcraft Epidemic in Salem" to be incredibly dry and unengaging. The book was filled with an overwhelming amount of historical details and analysis that made it difficult to keep up with the narrative. Furthermore, I felt that the author's writing style was flat and lacked any sort of excitement or passion. Overall, I was bored and disappointed with this book.
2. Mark - 2 stars - As someone with a deep interest in the Salem witch trials, I was initially excited to read "Cotton Mather and the Witchcraft Epidemic in Salem". However, I was quickly let down by the lack of new information presented in the book. The author simply regurgitated the same facts and accounts that have been covered extensively in other works on the subject. I was hoping for a fresh perspective or some insightful analysis, but unfortunately, that was not the case. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive or groundbreaking investigation into the Salem witch trials.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Cotton Mather and the Witchcraft Epidemic in Salem" failed to capture my interest and keep me engaged throughout. The writing was repetitive and lacked a coherent flow. There were numerous instances of unnecessary tangents that distracted from the main topic at hand. Additionally, I found the author's constant references to other scholarly works to be excessive and tiresome. Overall, I was hoping for a more compelling and concise exploration of the Salem witch trials.

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