Comprising More Wonders of the Invisible World. Collected by Robert Calef; And Wonders of the Invisible World, by Cotton Mather; Together with Notes and Explanations by Samuel P. Fowler
Comprising More Wonders of the Invisible World. Collected by Robert Calef; And Wonders of the Invisible World, by Cotton Mather; Together with Notes and Explanations by Samuel P. Fowler
Two Important Early Accounts of the Infamous Salem Witchcraft Trials Based on Primary Sources, with Notes and Explanations by Samuel P. Fowler. Published in 1693, Wonders of the Invisible World by Cotton Mather [1663-1728] is an account of selected trials written at the request of the judges, who wished to address claims of impropriety. Though he believed in witchcraft, Mather was critical of the judges' conduct when the trials were underway. After reading the transcripts, however, he concluded that the verdicts rested on ample evidence according to the standards of English and American law. Published in 1700, More Wonders of the Invisible World, Or The Wonders of the Invisible World Displayed by Robert Calef [1648-1719] attacked Mather's account. Skeptical about the existence of witchcraft, he argued for the injustice of the trials and suggested, moreover, that Mather influenced the judges and public opinion. A well-documented and devastating account, it was the first important publication to show that the trials were a miscarriage of justice. More Wonders of the Invisible World engendered a critical reaction in the form of a book entitled Some Few Remarks, upon a Scandalous Book, against the Government and Ministry of New-England. Written, by one Robert Calef. Detecting the Unparrallel'd Malice and Falsehood of the said Book; and Defending the Names of several particular Gentlemen, by him therein aspersed and abused. Composed and Published by several Persons belonging to the Flock of some of the Injured Pastors, and concerned for their Just Vindication (Boston: Printed by T. Green, Sold by Nicholas Boone, 1701). In the section "To the Christian reader" it describes Calef's book as containing "venome" (sic) and "false narrations, and odious representations." Originally published: Salem: H.P. Ives and A.A. Smith, 1861. xxi, [22]-450 pp. Samuel P. Fowler [1800-1888] was a member of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention held in Boston in 1853. He is the author of An account of the life, character, &c., of the Rev. Samuel Parris, of Salem Village, and of his connection with the witchcraft delusion of 1692 (1857). Fowler's library was recognized for its breadth of works related to witchcraft and American history. Cotton Mather [1662-1728], the son of Increase Mather, took over for his father as Pastor of the Old North Church in Boston in 1685. Mather is known for his founding role in the Salem witchcraft trials. Robert Calef [1648-1719], a member of the Baptist Church in Boston, denounced the Salem witchcraft trials and in particular criticized Mather's zeal in promoting the trials.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
MORE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD: OR THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD DISPLAYED IN FIVE PARTS." Originally published in London in 1700, Calef's work contains a collection of correspondence between the author and Cotton Mather, as well as other interested parties, in debate over the then-recent Salem witch trials, and particularly the doctrinal defenses of the use of spectral evidence in capital trials. It additionally discusses, also largely in epistolary form, the misgivings of some parishoners of Salem Village regarding their minister, Mr. Parris, and his acceptance of the trials. Finally, it includes transcripts of some of the indictments, correspondence, and testimony from the witch trials themselves, and a criticism of Cotton Mather's posthumous biography of William Phips, whom Increase Mather had nominated as the lt. governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (Phips was appointed the colony's first royal governor at the same time that the witchcraft uproar was just beginning in Salem and the surrounding villages.) Though rarely found in print, "More Wonders of the Invisible World" provides a more readable (and empathetic) view of the events of 1692 Salem than the better-known Mather book from which its title is adapted, making it a foundational treatise for students of early Colonial history. This unabridged edition has been newly typeset and edited with the goal of retaining some of the look and feel of the original while also prioritizing legibility for the modern reader. The text was compiled from various print sources of the original 1700 book, and other than the correction of some small typographical errors, the text largely retains spelling, capitalization and type styles based primarily on the Salem 1823 edition. It also includes footnotes added to the Salem 1860 edition by editor Samuel P. Fowler.
Witchcraft or witchery refers to the magical abilities used by solitary practitioners and groups, and often exists in societies and communities that incorporate a magical world view. This is the third and final volume of "The Witchcraft Delusion in New England", which looks at the rise, development and end of the belief of witchcraft in America with a particular focus on New England. This fascinating volume delineates the history of American witchcraft with reference to notable cases, making it highly recommended for those with an interest in witchcraft and the supernatural. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on folklore and witchcraft
Funny and fearful true stories of witches, innocent victims and their accusers in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Curses that seemingly worked their magic and cures by healers that begot them the gallows. Emphasis is on Salem Village in 1692, where 20 accused of witchcraft were executed.
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
Night of the Frogs With the realistic dross of our time, here comes a verse play on the Salem Witch Hunts of 1692 that brings pleasure to the ear, action to the eye and the introduction of a character, as yet untreated, who becomes a hero—an American businessman. Sautee and Nacoochee Adapted to modern time, Sautee and Nacoochee is a love story derived from a Georgia Indian legend. Through one-liners and giggles, Sautee and Nacoochee brings humor and pathos to a theatrical crossroads that results in a shattering climax. "You found a trenchant, driving rhythm for the verse, something that is all your own. It wasn't imposed on the characters: it spoke for them." —Christopher Fry "The writing is poetic and the author plays on words that make them interpretive bombs set to explode with symbolism in all directions. (Manns') humor is successful, not contrived. He has created phrases that you will remember and quote, and that will last." —I.D. Snow, The Great Speckled Bird "One of the most exciting and highly theatrical scripts I have ever read." —Stuart Culpepper, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution
Thank you for visiting our website. Would you like to provide feedback on how we could improve your experience?
This site does not use any third party cookies with one exception — it uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic.Learn More.