The following programs are sponsored or co-sponsored by St. Louis Public Library. All are free and open to the public. Program locations and dates listed below are correct as of 12 March 2012, and this list supersedes any list you may have previously received. Registration is required only if specifically noted.
Friday, March 23, 2012, 10 am-Noon—Civil War 24/7: Researching Civil War Soldiers & Regiments on the Internet. Buder Branch. Join us as Tom Pearson discusses free and subscription Internet sources of information on Civil War soldiers (USA and CSA).
Thursday, April 26, 2012, 10 am-Noon—Honor the Fallen: Finding Death & Burial Information for American Soldiers & Veterans, 1775-2012. Buder Branch. Join us as Tom Pearson discusses book, manuscript, microfilm, and Internet sources of information on the deaths and burials of American soldiers and veterans.
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 10 am-Noon—Salt Beef and Blue Mass: Civil War Supply and Transportation. Buder Branch. Join us as Tom Pearson discusses book, manuscript, microfilm, and Internet sources of information on Civil War movement of men, animals, weapons, medicines, equipment, and supplies.
Thursday, October 4, 2012, 7:30 pm-9 pm—The Witches of Salem: Researching Your High-Flying Ancestors. St. Clair County Genealogical Society, St. Luke’s Parish Hall, Belleville, IL. Join us as Tom Pearson discusses book, manuscript, microfilm, and Internet sources of information on persons accused and condemned as witches in Europe and colonial New England.
Buder Branch Library
4401 Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63109
Parking on the Buder Branch lot is free and close to the door! Coffee, lemonade, and ice water are available for program attendees.
Tom Pearson, Reference Librarian
Special Collections Department
St. Louis Public Library
http://www.slpl.org/
tpearson@slpl.org
Showing posts with label Witchcraft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witchcraft. Show all posts
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, October 18, 2010
UPCOMING GENEALOGY/HISTORY CLASSES
Classes listed below are sponsored or co-sponsored by St. Louis Public Library, and are free and open to the public. Please note that locations for classes vary.
Weds October 20 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. Hayner Public Library, 326 Belle Street, Alton, IL 62002. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat October 30 10 a.m.-Noon. A Perfect Storm: the Witches of Salem Village. Join us as we discuss witchcraft and witch trials in Europe and North America; the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692; and ways to research ancestors who were accused as witches. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs November 4 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Thirteen Dollars a Month: Recruiting, Enlistment, Conscription, & Desertion in the American Civil War. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Clair County Genealogical Society as we discuss how they joined the army during the Civil War; what they got paid for doing so; and how some of them took the money and ran. St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 301 N. Church Street, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs November 18 10 a.m.-Noon. Research at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Join us as we discuss the wealth of resources for the genealogist and historian available at this Springfield, Illinois institution. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat November 20 Meeting starts 10 a.m.; talk at 10:30 a.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Louis Genealogical Society as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. St. Louis County Library, 1640 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63131. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Buder Branch Library
4401 Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63109
Pre-registration is recommended but not required. To register or for more information, please email me at tpearson@slpl.org. Parking on the Buder Branch lot is always free. It’s easy to add you to my programs notification list. Just email me at tpearson@slpl.org and use NOTIFY in the subject line- that’s all you need to do!
Weds October 20 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. Hayner Public Library, 326 Belle Street, Alton, IL 62002. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat October 30 10 a.m.-Noon. A Perfect Storm: the Witches of Salem Village. Join us as we discuss witchcraft and witch trials in Europe and North America; the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692; and ways to research ancestors who were accused as witches. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs November 4 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Thirteen Dollars a Month: Recruiting, Enlistment, Conscription, & Desertion in the American Civil War. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Clair County Genealogical Society as we discuss how they joined the army during the Civil War; what they got paid for doing so; and how some of them took the money and ran. St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 301 N. Church Street, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs November 18 10 a.m.-Noon. Research at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Join us as we discuss the wealth of resources for the genealogist and historian available at this Springfield, Illinois institution. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat November 20 Meeting starts 10 a.m.; talk at 10:30 a.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Louis Genealogical Society as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. St. Louis County Library, 1640 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63131. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Buder Branch Library
4401 Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63109
Pre-registration is recommended but not required. To register or for more information, please email me at tpearson@slpl.org. Parking on the Buder Branch lot is always free. It’s easy to add you to my programs notification list. Just email me at tpearson@slpl.org and use NOTIFY in the subject line- that’s all you need to do!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
2010 GENEALOGY & MILITARY HISTORY CLASS LIST
Classes listed are sponsored or co-sponsored by St. Louis Public Library, and are free and open to the public. Please note that locations for classes vary.
NOTE: This list supersedes any previous class list you may have received.
Thurs August 26 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. Killed by the Cure: Civil War Medicine. Join us as we discuss the injuries and diseases that plagued Civil War soldiers, and the (sometimes fatal) methods Civil War doctors used to try and heal them. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs October 14 -- 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Greatest Generation: Researching WWII Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about WWII ancestors. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Weds October 20 -- 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. Hayner Public Library, 326 Belle Street, Alton, IL 62002. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat October 30 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. The Witches of Salem Village. Join us as we discuss witchcraft and witch trials in Europe and North America; the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692; and ways to research ancestors who were accused as witches. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Weds November 3 -- 7 p.m.-7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Research at the Illinois State Archives. Join us at this monthly meeting of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War as we discuss the wealth of resources for the genealogist and military historian available at this Springfield, Illinois institution. PSOP Bldg, 201 N. Church Street, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Weds November 4 -- 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Thirteen Dollars a Month: Recruiting, Enlistment, Conscription, & Desertion in the American Civil War. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Clair County Genealogical Society as we discuss how they joined the army during the Civil War; what they got paid for doing so; and how some of them took the money and ran. St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 301 N. Church Street, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs November 18 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. Research at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Join us as we discuss the wealth of resources for the genealogist and historian available at this Springfield, Illinois institution. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat November 20 -- Meeting starts 10 a.m.; talk at 10:30 a.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Louis Genealogical Society as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. St. Louis County Library, 1640 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63131. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat December 18 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. He’s a Rebel: Researching Confederate Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about Confederate soldier ancestors. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Buder Branch
4401 Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63109
Pre-registration is recommended. To register or for more information, contact tpearson@slpl.org. Parking on the Buder Branch lot is always free.
It’s easy to add you to my programs notification list. Just email me at tpearson@slpl.org and use NOTIFY in the subject line- that’s all you need to do!
NOTE: This list supersedes any previous class list you may have received.
Thurs August 26 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. Killed by the Cure: Civil War Medicine. Join us as we discuss the injuries and diseases that plagued Civil War soldiers, and the (sometimes fatal) methods Civil War doctors used to try and heal them. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs October 14 -- 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Greatest Generation: Researching WWII Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about WWII ancestors. Belleville Public Library, 121 E. Washington, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Weds October 20 -- 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. Hayner Public Library, 326 Belle Street, Alton, IL 62002. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat October 30 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. The Witches of Salem Village. Join us as we discuss witchcraft and witch trials in Europe and North America; the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692; and ways to research ancestors who were accused as witches. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Weds November 3 -- 7 p.m.-7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Research at the Illinois State Archives. Join us at this monthly meeting of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War as we discuss the wealth of resources for the genealogist and military historian available at this Springfield, Illinois institution. PSOP Bldg, 201 N. Church Street, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Weds November 4 -- 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Thirteen Dollars a Month: Recruiting, Enlistment, Conscription, & Desertion in the American Civil War. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Clair County Genealogical Society as we discuss how they joined the army during the Civil War; what they got paid for doing so; and how some of them took the money and ran. St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 301 N. Church Street, Belleville, IL 62220. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Thurs November 18 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. Research at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Join us as we discuss the wealth of resources for the genealogist and historian available at this Springfield, Illinois institution. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat November 20 -- Meeting starts 10 a.m.; talk at 10:30 a.m. Hoe! Hoe! Hoe! Researching Farmers & Other Rural Ancestors. Join us at this monthly meeting of the St. Louis Genealogical Society as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about ancestors who owned / worked farms or other agricultural ventures. St. Louis County Library, 1640 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63131. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Sat December 18 -- 10 a.m.-Noon. He’s a Rebel: Researching Confederate Ancestors. Join us as we discuss various ways that genealogists can find books, microfilms, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, and Internet sites that offer information about Confederate soldier ancestors. Buder Branch. To register or for more information, email me at tpearson@slpl.org.
Buder Branch
4401 Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63109
Pre-registration is recommended. To register or for more information, contact tpearson@slpl.org. Parking on the Buder Branch lot is always free.
It’s easy to add you to my programs notification list. Just email me at tpearson@slpl.org and use NOTIFY in the subject line- that’s all you need to do!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD, PART II
"WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD": A BEGINNING RESEARCHER'S GUIDE TO THE SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS WITCHCRAFT TRIALS OF 1692
PART II
Bibliography
1. Boyer, Paul, and Stephen Nissenbaum. SALEM POSSESSED: THE SOCIAL ORIGINS OF WITCHCRAFT (1974). ST--301.21
An attempt to determine what underlying social, economic, and political conditions could have combined to make the Salem witch trials possible. Index; sources are identified in extensive footnotes. Two-page chronology of Salem in the 17th century.
2. Burr, George Lincoln. NARRATIVES OF THE WITCHCRAFT CASES, 1648-1706 (1914). HU, ST--133.4
Reprinting of several early accounts of supposed instances of witchcraft and of witchcraft trials, including the trials at Salem. Index.
3. Demos, John. ENTERTAINING SATAN: WITCHCRAFT AND THE CULTURE OF EARLY NEW ENGLAND (1982). HG, ST--974.02
An examination of witchcraft in New England which purposely concentrates on events at places other than Salem (but is still useful as an introduction to the time period). Extensive "Notes" section, plus subject and name indexes. A fascinating appendix lists known witchcraft cases in 17th century New England.
4. Drake, Samuel Gardner. ANNALS OF WITCHCRAFT IN NEW ENGLAND, AND ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES (1977). ST--133.4
Pages 56-218 are a chronological recounting of supposed instances of witchcraft and of witch trials in New England 1636-1712. Index.
5. Drake, Samuel Gardner. THE WITCHCRAFT DELUSION IN NEW ENGLAND: ITS RISE, PROGRESS, AND TERMINATION (1866). ST--133.4
A reprinting of Cotton Mather's WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD and Robert Calef's answering volume, MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD.
6. Ferguson, Henry. ESSAYS IN AMERICAN HISTORY (1969). ST--917.403
A book of essays, one of which is an extended examination of the witch hysteria in New England ("The Witches," pp. 61-110). An interesting, well-written look at the period that speculates in learned fashion on the causes and effects of the witch delusion. Includes eight pages of notes on sources.
7. Fowler, Samuel Page. SALEM WITCHCRAFT: COMPRISING MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD AND WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD (1865). ST--133.4
Another reprint of the Mather and Calef books about the Salem trials. An appendix lists every Salem Village area person known to have been accused of witchcraft, including children.
8. Gragg, Larry Dale. A QUEST FOR SECURITY: THE LIFE OF SAMUEL PARRIS, 1653-1720 (1990). HG--B Parris
A biography of Samuel Parris, a Salem clergyman whose household was the center of much of the witch activity reported at Salem. Bibliography and index.
9. Gragg, Larry Dale. "Under An Evil Hand." American History Illustrated 27 (March/April 1992): 54-59. HG--P
An illustrated article about the witchcraft trials.
10. Hall, Michael G. THE LAST AMERICAN PURITAN: THE LIFE OF INCREASE MATHER, 1639-1723 (1988). HG--B Mather
A biography of the elder Mather. Includes a section on the Salem witchcraft trials (pp. 256-264), and a portrait of William Stoughton, chief justice at the witch trials. Bibliography and index.
11. Hansen, Chadwick. WITCHCRAFT AT SALEM (1969). ST--133.4
A popular account of the witch trials, well-written and easy to read. Hansen believes that, while innocent people were indeed hung as witches, witchcraft and folk magic had indeed been practiced by several of the accused (among them Bridget Bishop and Wilmot Redd). Annotated bibliography and index.
12. Jackson, Shirley. THE WITCHCRAFT OF SALEM VILLAGE (1956). ST--133.4
Part of the "Landmark Books" series, written by the author of the famous short story, "The Lottery". A popular and well-written account of the witch hysteria and trials, written in part as a response to the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s. There is a list of persons hung as witches on page 150 (one man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death with stones for refusing to plead guilty or not guilty. Giles Corey's story was the inspiration for Miss Jackson's "The Lottery".) Index.
13. Powers, Edwin. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN EARLY MASSACHUSETTS (1966). ST--364
A history of crime and punishment in colonial Massachusetts (1620-1692). Includes a long chapter titled "Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live" which includes much information on the Salem witch trials. Excellent index, extensive notes section.
14. RECORDS OF SALEM WITCHCRAFT, COPIED FROM THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (1971). HU--133.4
A reprint of the 1864 printing of the text of existing transcripts of Salem witchcraft examinations and trial proceedings. Divided chronologically and by person accused (because legal proceedings involved action against one accused witch at a time). Includes an index of plaintiffs (accusers).
15. Richardson, Katherine. THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT TRIALS (1983). HU--345.744
Interesting booklet issued by the Essex Institute. While it is a good introduction to the witchcraft trials, it is most notable for its fascinating collection of illustrations and photographs. The illustrations include portraits of most of the trial judges and sketches of homes and buildings associated with the witch trials. There are also black-and-white photographs of still-existing sites. Three useful lists are also included: persons who died as a result of witchcraft accusations (executions and those who died in prison); those who were condemned but not executed; and a list of those persons who made accusations of witchcraft against others. Also includes a selected bibliography and 2 maps of the Salem area circa 1692.
16. Sewall, Samuel. THE DIARY OF SAMUEL SEWALL, 1674-1729 (1973). ST--917.44
A printing of Sewall's diary in two volumes. Sewall was a clergyman and judge at the Salem witch trials. Volume 1 has coverage of the witch trial period, and also has a chronology of Samuel Sewall 1652-1730. No index, but a lengthy Table of Contents can help the researcher locate desired information.
17. Silverman, Kenneth. THE LIFE AND TIMES OF COTTON MATHER (1984). HU--B Mather
A biography of the younger Mather, who wrote WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD. There is quite a bit of Salem witch trial information in a chapter titled "Letters of Thanks From Hell" (pp.83-137). Index (look under "spectral evidence" and "witchcraft").
18. Starkey, Marion Lena. THE DEVIL IN MASSACHUSETTS: A MODERN ENQUIRY INTO THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS (1989). ST--133.4
A well-written and extensively researched look at the Salem witch trials. It is notable for the author's ability to make many of the players in the tragedy come alive. It was first published in 1949, and was written in part as a reaction to and attempt to explain the social dynamics of the Holocaust. Index; annotated bibliography; and "Notes" section.
19. Tree, Christina. HOW NEW ENGLAND HAPPENED: A GUIDE TO NEW ENGLAND THROUGH ITS HISTORY (1976). ST--917.404
A travel guide to historical New England. Pages 45-56 include a brief summary of the witch trials and list still-existing sites connected with the trials. Includes name and place indexes.
20. Upham, Charles Wentworth. SALEM WITCHCRAFT: WITH AN ACCOUNT OF SALEM VILLAGE AND A HISTORY OF OPINIONS ON WITCHCRAFT AND KINDRED SUBJECTS (1959). ST--133.4 (2 vols.)
A reprinting of Upham's classic (some would say biased) account of the witch trials. The book consists of four parts: Part 1 is a history of Salem Village; Part II is a general history of witchcraft in the American colonies; Part III is a detailed examination of the Salem witchcraft trials. The concluding section is a Supplement with several appendices. Volume I of this reprinting includes an index to both volumes, plus a map of Salem Village circa 1692.
Copyright © 2009 by St. Louis Public Library. All rights reserved.
Thomas Pearson
Special Collections Dept.
St. Louis Public Library
To see a complete list of our online indexes and bibliographies:
http://previous.slpl.org/libsrc/lisindex.htm
PART II
Bibliography
1. Boyer, Paul, and Stephen Nissenbaum. SALEM POSSESSED: THE SOCIAL ORIGINS OF WITCHCRAFT (1974). ST--301.21
An attempt to determine what underlying social, economic, and political conditions could have combined to make the Salem witch trials possible. Index; sources are identified in extensive footnotes. Two-page chronology of Salem in the 17th century.
2. Burr, George Lincoln. NARRATIVES OF THE WITCHCRAFT CASES, 1648-1706 (1914). HU, ST--133.4
Reprinting of several early accounts of supposed instances of witchcraft and of witchcraft trials, including the trials at Salem. Index.
3. Demos, John. ENTERTAINING SATAN: WITCHCRAFT AND THE CULTURE OF EARLY NEW ENGLAND (1982). HG, ST--974.02
An examination of witchcraft in New England which purposely concentrates on events at places other than Salem (but is still useful as an introduction to the time period). Extensive "Notes" section, plus subject and name indexes. A fascinating appendix lists known witchcraft cases in 17th century New England.
4. Drake, Samuel Gardner. ANNALS OF WITCHCRAFT IN NEW ENGLAND, AND ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES (1977). ST--133.4
Pages 56-218 are a chronological recounting of supposed instances of witchcraft and of witch trials in New England 1636-1712. Index.
5. Drake, Samuel Gardner. THE WITCHCRAFT DELUSION IN NEW ENGLAND: ITS RISE, PROGRESS, AND TERMINATION (1866). ST--133.4
A reprinting of Cotton Mather's WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD and Robert Calef's answering volume, MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD.
6. Ferguson, Henry. ESSAYS IN AMERICAN HISTORY (1969). ST--917.403
A book of essays, one of which is an extended examination of the witch hysteria in New England ("The Witches," pp. 61-110). An interesting, well-written look at the period that speculates in learned fashion on the causes and effects of the witch delusion. Includes eight pages of notes on sources.
7. Fowler, Samuel Page. SALEM WITCHCRAFT: COMPRISING MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD AND WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD (1865). ST--133.4
Another reprint of the Mather and Calef books about the Salem trials. An appendix lists every Salem Village area person known to have been accused of witchcraft, including children.
8. Gragg, Larry Dale. A QUEST FOR SECURITY: THE LIFE OF SAMUEL PARRIS, 1653-1720 (1990). HG--B Parris
A biography of Samuel Parris, a Salem clergyman whose household was the center of much of the witch activity reported at Salem. Bibliography and index.
9. Gragg, Larry Dale. "Under An Evil Hand." American History Illustrated 27 (March/April 1992): 54-59. HG--P
An illustrated article about the witchcraft trials.
10. Hall, Michael G. THE LAST AMERICAN PURITAN: THE LIFE OF INCREASE MATHER, 1639-1723 (1988). HG--B Mather
A biography of the elder Mather. Includes a section on the Salem witchcraft trials (pp. 256-264), and a portrait of William Stoughton, chief justice at the witch trials. Bibliography and index.
11. Hansen, Chadwick. WITCHCRAFT AT SALEM (1969). ST--133.4
A popular account of the witch trials, well-written and easy to read. Hansen believes that, while innocent people were indeed hung as witches, witchcraft and folk magic had indeed been practiced by several of the accused (among them Bridget Bishop and Wilmot Redd). Annotated bibliography and index.
12. Jackson, Shirley. THE WITCHCRAFT OF SALEM VILLAGE (1956). ST--133.4
Part of the "Landmark Books" series, written by the author of the famous short story, "The Lottery". A popular and well-written account of the witch hysteria and trials, written in part as a response to the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s. There is a list of persons hung as witches on page 150 (one man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death with stones for refusing to plead guilty or not guilty. Giles Corey's story was the inspiration for Miss Jackson's "The Lottery".) Index.
13. Powers, Edwin. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN EARLY MASSACHUSETTS (1966). ST--364
A history of crime and punishment in colonial Massachusetts (1620-1692). Includes a long chapter titled "Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live" which includes much information on the Salem witch trials. Excellent index, extensive notes section.
14. RECORDS OF SALEM WITCHCRAFT, COPIED FROM THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (1971). HU--133.4
A reprint of the 1864 printing of the text of existing transcripts of Salem witchcraft examinations and trial proceedings. Divided chronologically and by person accused (because legal proceedings involved action against one accused witch at a time). Includes an index of plaintiffs (accusers).
15. Richardson, Katherine. THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT TRIALS (1983). HU--345.744
Interesting booklet issued by the Essex Institute. While it is a good introduction to the witchcraft trials, it is most notable for its fascinating collection of illustrations and photographs. The illustrations include portraits of most of the trial judges and sketches of homes and buildings associated with the witch trials. There are also black-and-white photographs of still-existing sites. Three useful lists are also included: persons who died as a result of witchcraft accusations (executions and those who died in prison); those who were condemned but not executed; and a list of those persons who made accusations of witchcraft against others. Also includes a selected bibliography and 2 maps of the Salem area circa 1692.
16. Sewall, Samuel. THE DIARY OF SAMUEL SEWALL, 1674-1729 (1973). ST--917.44
A printing of Sewall's diary in two volumes. Sewall was a clergyman and judge at the Salem witch trials. Volume 1 has coverage of the witch trial period, and also has a chronology of Samuel Sewall 1652-1730. No index, but a lengthy Table of Contents can help the researcher locate desired information.
17. Silverman, Kenneth. THE LIFE AND TIMES OF COTTON MATHER (1984). HU--B Mather
A biography of the younger Mather, who wrote WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD. There is quite a bit of Salem witch trial information in a chapter titled "Letters of Thanks From Hell" (pp.83-137). Index (look under "spectral evidence" and "witchcraft").
18. Starkey, Marion Lena. THE DEVIL IN MASSACHUSETTS: A MODERN ENQUIRY INTO THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS (1989). ST--133.4
A well-written and extensively researched look at the Salem witch trials. It is notable for the author's ability to make many of the players in the tragedy come alive. It was first published in 1949, and was written in part as a reaction to and attempt to explain the social dynamics of the Holocaust. Index; annotated bibliography; and "Notes" section.
19. Tree, Christina. HOW NEW ENGLAND HAPPENED: A GUIDE TO NEW ENGLAND THROUGH ITS HISTORY (1976). ST--917.404
A travel guide to historical New England. Pages 45-56 include a brief summary of the witch trials and list still-existing sites connected with the trials. Includes name and place indexes.
20. Upham, Charles Wentworth. SALEM WITCHCRAFT: WITH AN ACCOUNT OF SALEM VILLAGE AND A HISTORY OF OPINIONS ON WITCHCRAFT AND KINDRED SUBJECTS (1959). ST--133.4 (2 vols.)
A reprinting of Upham's classic (some would say biased) account of the witch trials. The book consists of four parts: Part 1 is a history of Salem Village; Part II is a general history of witchcraft in the American colonies; Part III is a detailed examination of the Salem witchcraft trials. The concluding section is a Supplement with several appendices. Volume I of this reprinting includes an index to both volumes, plus a map of Salem Village circa 1692.
Copyright © 2009 by St. Louis Public Library. All rights reserved.
Thomas Pearson
Special Collections Dept.
St. Louis Public Library
To see a complete list of our online indexes and bibliographies:
http://previous.slpl.org/libsrc/lisindex.htm
Saturday, October 24, 2009
WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD, PART I
It’s nearly Halloween, and this guide to the Salem Witch Trials (that we’re reprinting in two parts) certainly seems appropriate for the season!
WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD: A GUIDE TO THE SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS WITCHCRAFT TRIALS OF 1692
PART I
I. INTRODUCTION
Some persons (many of them ministers and other fairly well-educated persons) were uneasy about the types of evidence used to convict and condemn witches in trials held in New England during colonial days. Five main types of evidence were allowed in the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692, although use of any of these types of evidence was frought with difficulties:
1. Physical evidence, such as an effigy, image, or charm made and employed by a witch in an effort to cause harm to an intended victim.
· The acceptance of physical evidence presupposed that witches (and the Devil) existed, and that they were capable of causing harm to victims by magical means. Even in 1692, these were points that not everyone was willing to concede.
2. Examinations of the witch's unclothed body to uncover witch's marks (i.e., unusual, unnatural protuberances that could be used by the Devil to suck the person's blood and thus seal a deal between himself and that witch).
· The judges at Salem thought the witch's mark could be used by the Devil as a suckling point (the body's natural suckling points, being creations of God, were not fit for devil's work). It was known even then, however, that even god-fearing persons as they age can develop odd bodily protuberances, so such evidence was not normally of itself enough to convict a person of the crime of witchcraft.
3. Self-incrimination (a witch's confession, either voluntary or induced by torture).
· Self-incrimination also presented problems which were recognized even in 1692. There was always the danger that a mentally unbalanced person might confess to witchcraft simply to attract attention to him or herself. There was also a danger that a person might confess as a witch in order to commit a form of suicide (although no one at Salem who confessed to witchcraft was executed).
4. Accusation (self-incriminations often also involved the naming of fellow witches).
· Confessing witches often incriminated others (usually in an effort to curry favor with judges or secure better conditions of incarceration). However, since witches by definition were servants of Satan, the great deceiver, it seemed uncertain even in 1692 if their testimony could be trusted.
5. Spectral evidence (the testimony of the witch's intended victim that the witch's spectral body was the cause of his or her torment).
· Spectral evidence was the most problematic of the types of evidence allowed at Salem. It hinged on three wobbly assumptions: 1. that a witch could send (or allow Satan to send) a spectral double of him or herself to torment an intended victim; 2. that this spectral double could not be sent without the witch's consent; and 3. victims of spectral violence could both see their spectral tormentors and act as reliable witnesses to that torment. Once again, even contemporary observers had questions about the admissibility of spectral evidence. Two main problems troubled contemporary observers:
· A. Did the Devil really need a witch's consent to send a spectral double of that person (a witch is, after all, by definition a servant of Satan)? and
· B. Were afflicted persons (persons tormented by spectral doubles) reliable witnesses against their tormentors? After all, afflicted persons were obviously under great strain during episodes of spectral torment. Finally, it could be (and was) argued that afflicted persons were themselves under Satan's control, and thus not reliable witnesses.
A caution to the researcher: there is still no widespread agreement among historians as to the causes of the witch trials at Salem, and not even complete agreement as to whether all the persons (19) hanged as witches were innocent of the charges against them (that is, some of them apparently did practice on a regular basis what we would nowadays refer to as folk medicine). The careful researcher will need to consult a variety of sources before he or she makes a judgment about the proceedings at Salem.
Copyright © 2009 by St. Louis Public Library. All rights reserved.
Thomas Pearson
Special Collections Dept.
St. Louis Public Library
To see a complete list of our online indexes and bibliographies:
http://previous.slpl.org/libsrc/lisindex.htm
WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD: A GUIDE TO THE SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS WITCHCRAFT TRIALS OF 1692
PART I
I. INTRODUCTION
Some persons (many of them ministers and other fairly well-educated persons) were uneasy about the types of evidence used to convict and condemn witches in trials held in New England during colonial days. Five main types of evidence were allowed in the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692, although use of any of these types of evidence was frought with difficulties:
1. Physical evidence, such as an effigy, image, or charm made and employed by a witch in an effort to cause harm to an intended victim.
· The acceptance of physical evidence presupposed that witches (and the Devil) existed, and that they were capable of causing harm to victims by magical means. Even in 1692, these were points that not everyone was willing to concede.
2. Examinations of the witch's unclothed body to uncover witch's marks (i.e., unusual, unnatural protuberances that could be used by the Devil to suck the person's blood and thus seal a deal between himself and that witch).
· The judges at Salem thought the witch's mark could be used by the Devil as a suckling point (the body's natural suckling points, being creations of God, were not fit for devil's work). It was known even then, however, that even god-fearing persons as they age can develop odd bodily protuberances, so such evidence was not normally of itself enough to convict a person of the crime of witchcraft.
3. Self-incrimination (a witch's confession, either voluntary or induced by torture).
· Self-incrimination also presented problems which were recognized even in 1692. There was always the danger that a mentally unbalanced person might confess to witchcraft simply to attract attention to him or herself. There was also a danger that a person might confess as a witch in order to commit a form of suicide (although no one at Salem who confessed to witchcraft was executed).
4. Accusation (self-incriminations often also involved the naming of fellow witches).
· Confessing witches often incriminated others (usually in an effort to curry favor with judges or secure better conditions of incarceration). However, since witches by definition were servants of Satan, the great deceiver, it seemed uncertain even in 1692 if their testimony could be trusted.
5. Spectral evidence (the testimony of the witch's intended victim that the witch's spectral body was the cause of his or her torment).
· Spectral evidence was the most problematic of the types of evidence allowed at Salem. It hinged on three wobbly assumptions: 1. that a witch could send (or allow Satan to send) a spectral double of him or herself to torment an intended victim; 2. that this spectral double could not be sent without the witch's consent; and 3. victims of spectral violence could both see their spectral tormentors and act as reliable witnesses to that torment. Once again, even contemporary observers had questions about the admissibility of spectral evidence. Two main problems troubled contemporary observers:
· A. Did the Devil really need a witch's consent to send a spectral double of that person (a witch is, after all, by definition a servant of Satan)? and
· B. Were afflicted persons (persons tormented by spectral doubles) reliable witnesses against their tormentors? After all, afflicted persons were obviously under great strain during episodes of spectral torment. Finally, it could be (and was) argued that afflicted persons were themselves under Satan's control, and thus not reliable witnesses.
A caution to the researcher: there is still no widespread agreement among historians as to the causes of the witch trials at Salem, and not even complete agreement as to whether all the persons (19) hanged as witches were innocent of the charges against them (that is, some of them apparently did practice on a regular basis what we would nowadays refer to as folk medicine). The careful researcher will need to consult a variety of sources before he or she makes a judgment about the proceedings at Salem.
Copyright © 2009 by St. Louis Public Library. All rights reserved.
Thomas Pearson
Special Collections Dept.
St. Louis Public Library
To see a complete list of our online indexes and bibliographies:
http://previous.slpl.org/libsrc/lisindex.htm
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