The Witches: Salem, 1692

Stacy Schiff's book, The Witches:Salem, 1692, is a complete accounting of the hysteria that enveloped not just Salem but much of New England at the time. Having a personal interest (don't we all?) I was excited that such a distinguished author had taken up the subject. If you are new to the Salem with phenomenon, this is the book for you, and it will certainly become the go-to one to read. However, Schiff is hampered by the fact that the most of the records that you would expect from the time were either destroyed or conveniently lost. She reconstructs an amazing amount of detail regardless; but, at times the detail can get both boring and a bit turgid. For some reason she and her editors eschewed maps and lists of people involved that might have helped in the navigation. Her commentaries are spot on, but lack punch. And while she nods in the final chapter to more current hysterias, she does not really explore the subject. A useful read–just not as good as I had hoped.