The Wonders of the Invisible World: Being an Account of the Tryals of Several Witches Lately Executed in New-England, to Which Is Added a Farther Account of the Tryals of the New-England Witches

A historical account written in the late 17th century. This work serves as a documentation of the Salem witch trials, detailing the trials and executions of individuals accused of witchcraft in New England. The Mather family, both Cotton and his father Increase, were influential figures in the context of these events, and their writings reflect their strong belief in the reality of witchcraft and the supernatural influences behind it. The opening portion of the book lays the groundwork for understanding the witch hysteria that gripped New England, particularly the events surrounding the Salem witch trials. It recounts how the panic began in the community and how various individuals were accused, leading to numerous executions based on flimsy evidence and societal fears. Cotton Mather emerges as a pivotal character, advocating for the trials and revealing his deep commitment to addressing what he perceived as the threat posed by witches. The text portrays a society fraught with fear and superstition, illustrating the blurred lines between justice and paranoia during this dark chapter in American history.