"Salem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather" by Charles Wentworth Upham is an influential historical work that examines the events of the Salem witch trials of 1692, with a specific focus on the role and influence of the prominent Puritan minister, Cotton Mather. The book is often published as "Salem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather: A Reply", which was Upham's response to a critical review of his larger work, Salem Witchcraft, published in 1867.
Summary and Themes
Critical Analysis of Mather: Upham critically analyzes Cotton Mather's actions and writings during the trials, where Mather was a staunch believer in witchcraft and supported the court's proceedings.
Historical Context: The work provides valuable insights into the social, cultural, and religious dynamics of 17th-century Massachusetts Bay Colony that contributed to the hysteria and tragic executions of twenty people.
Cautionary Tale: Upham uses his historical research to present a nuanced perspective and a cautionary tale about the dangers of religious extremism, fanaticism, and the misapplication of authority.
Defense (in "A Reply"): In the specific publication titled "A Reply", Upham defends his initial work against an 1869 review, further elaborating on his arguments and use of primary sources like court records and letters.
Importance of Reason: Upham argues that while good intentions might be present, human responsibility demands the use of reason, caution, and cool deliberation, which he implies were lacking in the Salem trials and Mather's judgment.
About the Author
Charles Wentworth Upham (1805-1875) was an American historian, politician, and minister. His background in both law and history, combined with an interest in religious extremism, heavily influenced his detailed, scholarly approach to studying the Salem episode. His work is considered a significant contribution to the study of the Salem witch trials and is an essential resource for scholars and general readers interested in this period of American history.
This book is freely available as public domain.
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