A Storm of Witchcraft is a historical book written by Emerson W. Baker. It explores the Salem witch trials that took place in Massachusetts in 1692. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the social, political, and cultural context in which the witch trials occurred, shedding light on the complex factors that led to the outbreak of hysteria. Baker begins by examining the religious and political landscape of 17th-century New England, particularly the Puritan beliefs and the challenges they faced in establishing a stable society. He delves into the anxieties and fears that plagued the Puritan community, such as conflicts with Native Americans, economic struggles, and the threat of English authorities.
It was then passed to Lovelace from Verroq. Nathaniel would later order Bartimaeus to steal the amulet from Lovelace, and hide it in the study of his, Nathaniel's, master, Arthur Underwood. Bartimaeus isn't sure what demon or demons are stuck inside the amulet; all he knows is that they are extremely powerful and that it makes the wearer invulnerable to magical attack. The secrets of how to make the amulet were lost to time, although Bartimaeus mentions that it must have been a hard task to imprison the being(s) inside.
Nathaniel retorts impolitely and incurs Lovelace s wrath, in the form of an invisible demon which holds him immobile, allowing Lovelace to deride his helpless condition. Nathaniel has an interesting assignment for Bartimaeus he must steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivaled ruthlessness and ambition.
He delves into the anxieties and fears that plagued the Puritan community, such as conflicts with Native Americans, economic struggles, and the threat of English authorities. The author argues that the witchcraft hysteria was not simply the result of religious fanaticism, but rather a convergence of various factors. He highlights the power dynamics within the community, the influence of rival factions, and the role of individual motivations in fueling the accusations and trials.
Amylet of samarland
The djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by a young magician, Nathaniel, and sent off to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the sinister Simon Lovelace. All sorts of trouble ensues.
UK Hardback Edition
Doubleday 2003
ISBN: 0385 605994
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UK Paperback Edition
Corgi 2004
ISBN: 0 552 55029 9
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US Hardback Edition
Hyperion/Miramax 2003
ISBN: 0 7868 1859 X
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US Paperback Edition
Hyperion/Miramax 2004
ISBN: 0 7868 5255 0
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Winner of a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor 2004 (USA).
Winner of Lancashire Children's Book Award 2005 (UK).
Short-listed for the British Book Awards, 2004; the WH Smith Teen Choice Award (UK) 2004; Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (German Youth Literature Award) 2005.
"Not since Gulliver's Travels has a children's writer managed to combine a thrilling tale of magic and adventure with such deliciously pointed comedy… Stroud's sinister world is imagined in baroque and energetic detail…"
Amanda Craig, The Times
"Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling"
Nicholas Tucker, Independent
"the truly original touch is the way Stroud alternates Nathaniel's story with the djinni's own knowing and irascible first-person narrative"
Diana Wynne Jones, Guardian Review
"One of this year's most inventive and ingenious novels…Both the djinn and the boy exist in a world described with great imaginative detail…The action-packed adventures of Nathaniel and Bartimaeus…are sustained over nearly 500 pages by the immensely enjoyable characterisation. The narrative slips skilfully from first person to third and back and Bartimaeus's voice is laugh-out-loud sassy, while Nathaniel's story has an engaging poignancy as he tries to prove himself in a world in which he has always been despised."
Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times
"What a delight… is The Amulet of Samarkand. Jonathan Stroud's cracker, the first of a trilogy (yes, more, please) following the adventures of a middle-ranking djinni in (another) dystopian alternative future London is pure enjoyment from beginning to end…Almost purely amoral, if not downright wicked, the character of Bartimaeus manages to convey the benefits of thoughtfulness, politeness and kindness by glorying in their converse. A tonic for anyone age 12 and up."
Times Educational Supplement
The Amulet of Samarkand is an extremely potent magical artifact of a passively protects its bearer from magic-based assaults, even from the strongest magic and spirits.
Baker also explores the role of gender in the witch trials, illustrating how women were disproportionately targeted and persecuted. He examines the prevailing attitudes towards women during this era and how they contributed to the vulnerability of certain individuals. The book meticulously analyzes the events leading up to the trials, including the initial accusations, the examinations, and the eventual executions. Baker presents a nuanced perspective, showcasing the complexities of the trial proceedings and the various influences at play. The author concludes by assessing the aftermath of the witch trials and their lasting impact on American society. He explores the efforts to reconcile and make amends for the injustice done to the accused, as well as the lingering effects of the trials on future generations. A Storm of Witchcraft is a thoroughly researched and engaging account of one of the most infamous episodes in American history. It provides a multi-dimensional understanding of the Salem witch trials, going beyond the stereotypes and myths to reveal the underlying factors that contributed to this dark period. Baker's analysis offers valuable insights into the dynamics of fear, power, and justice, making it an essential read for anyone interested in this captivating period of history..
Reviews for "The Witch's Familiar: Animals as Spirit Guides in Witchcraft"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'A Storm of Witchcraft'. The book had a promising premise, but it fell short in execution. The writing style was dry and lacked the captivating storytelling that I expected. I found myself struggling to get through each chapter, as the information was presented in a monotonous way, making it hard to stay engaged. Additionally, I felt that the author focused too much on the political aspects of the Salem witch trials, rather than delving into the personal stories and experiences of the accused. Overall, I would not recommend this book if you're looking for an engaging and comprehensive account of the Salem witch trials."
2. James - 1/5 stars - "I regret purchasing 'A Storm of Witchcraft'. The author's decision to focus solely on the political and religious aspects of the Salem witch trials made the book incredibly dry and tedious to read. There was a lack of personal anecdotes and stories, which I believe would have made the narrative more compelling. Furthermore, the author seemed to jump around from one topic to another without providing sufficient background information, leaving me constantly confused. I was hoping for an in-depth exploration of the events and the people involved, but this book failed to deliver. Save your money and find a better alternative if you're interested in learning about the Salem witch trials."
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - "While 'A Storm of Witchcraft' attempted to provide a historical account of the Salem witch trials, it fell short in many ways. The author's writing style was dull and lacked the ability to engage readers. The information was presented in a jumbled way, making it difficult to follow the chronological order of events. I also found it disappointing that the book failed to provide a more in-depth analysis of the cultural and societal factors that contributed to the frenzy surrounding witchcraft at that time. Overall, I found this book to be a lackluster exploration of a fascinating period in history."