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

The Witchcraft Delusion in New England: Its Rise, Progress, and Termination, published in 1648 by Robert Calef, is a historical account of the Salem witch trials and the broader witchcraft hysteria in colonial New England. The text contrasts the views of key figures like Dr. Cotton Mather, who framed the events as a spiritual crisis, with Calef's critical perspective on the societal and legal ramifications of the witchcraft accusations. This work highlights the tragic consequences of mass hysteria, including wrongful persecution and executions, and serves as an important critique of religious authority and public opinion during this tumultuous period.