'Salem Bewitched' offers readers an intricate tapestry of narratives, critical essays, and historical accounts revolving around the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Spanning a diverse range of literary styles, from fervent sermons to dispassionate historical analysis, this collection illuminates the multifaceted dimensions of one of America's most notorious episodes of mass hysteria and judicial injustice. The anthology is particularly noteworthy for showcasing a blend of contemporary accounts by Increase Mather and Cotton Mather, alongside retrospectives by scholars like Charles Wentworth Upham and M. V. B. Perley, offering readers a holistic view of the trials' complexity and its enduring legacy in American consciousness. The contributing authors and editors, with their varied backgrounds in theology, history, and law, bring a rich diversity of perspectives to the anthology. Their collective works situate the Salem Witch Trials within broader historical, cultural, and religious contexts, highlighting connections to Puritan beliefs, the dynamics of colonial society, and the interplay between superstition and the nascent scientific reasoning. This confluence of perspectives from key figures such as Increase Mather, who participated in the trials, to Samuel Roberts Wells, a 19th-century scholar, enriches the anthology's exploration of how collective hysteria can lead to profound societal and judicial errors. 'Salem Bewitched' is recommended for anyone intrigued by the complex interplay of history, society, and belief. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to understand the Salem Witch Trials through a polyphony of voices, each contributing to a deeper comprehension of this dark chapter in American history. Beyond academic enrichment, this anthology challenges readers to reflect on the lessons of Salem, promoting a dialogue that spans centuries, disciplines, and ideologies.

Charles Wentworth Upham's 'Salem Bewitched' intricately compiles critical historical accounts of the notorious Salem witch trials, penning a vivid tableau of early American society ensnared in superstition and fear. This collection, not only excavates the socio-religious bedrock of 17th-century New England, but also underscores the trials' legal and ethical aberrations through documents like Cotton Mather's 'The Wonders of the Invisible World' and Upham's own comprehensive 'Salem Witchcraft' works. Upham's effort to compile and critique these works within a single volume illustrates the dark confluence of folklore, theology, and jurisprudence, capturing the contextual rigidity and literary style of the Puritanical zeitgeist that permitted such atrocities to occur. As a historian and former mayor of Salem, Charles Wentworth Upham possesses an intimate understanding of the witch trials, drawn from both personal connection and scholarly rigor. His analytical and empathetic approach to the materials is perhaps a reflection of his broader societal concerns, as he was known for his interests in history, politics, and religion. Upham's efforts are driven by a desire to dissect the witch trials as a case study in mass hysteria, judicial folly, and the devastating consequences of unchecked religious extremism. 'Salem Bewitched' offers an essential read for both historians and general readers interested in American history, legal studies, or religious ideology. Through Upham's meticulous curation and analysis, the book serves as a solemn reminder of the perils of fanaticism and the importance of due process. It stands as an unflinching testimony to centuries-old events that continue to echo through time, urging modern readers to both remember and learn from the shadows of history.