The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination (Vol. 2 of 3)

This volume brings to life the fevered atmosphere of late‑17th‑century New England, when the belief in witchcraft surged from whispered rumors to full‑blown hysteria. Through the eyes of two contemporary voices—Cotton Mather, who chronicled the “Wonders of the Invisible World,” and his skeptical counterpart Robert Calef—the listener hears the clash of fervent religious conviction and early calls for reason. The opening sections lay out the origins of the panic, the social anxieties that fed it, and the vivid testimonies that sparked fear across towns and churches.

Edited with meticulous care, the work reproduces the original 1700 text while offering brief, helpful notes that clarify archaic language and contextual quirks without overwhelming the narrative. The editor has corrected obvious printing errors but retained the period’s spelling and punctuation, allowing the authentic tone of the era to shine through. These scholarly touches guide listeners through the dense material without diluting its historical flavor.

By the end of the first act, listeners will have a clear picture of how the witchcraft delusion took hold, the personalities that propelled it, and the early signs of its eventual unraveling. The book serves as a compelling entry point for anyone curious about the intersection of faith, fear, and early American society.