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In the Devil's Snare

the Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692
Nov 25, 2013lukasevansherman rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Almost everything Americans know about the Salem Witch Trials is from Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," which is really about McCarthyism. I'm teaching the play to high school students and wanted to get a little more historical context. Norton's book is thoroughly researched, but also a little exhausting for the common reader. She admirably refrains from modern judgement, but I also would have liked a little more commentary. Still, it's an important book for anyone interested in this fascinating/terrifying period in our history, and I did learn the John Proctor, unlike the character in the play, was in his 60s.