Witchcraft of New England Explained by Modern Spiritualism

Written in the late 19th century, 'Witchcraft of New England Explained by Modern Spiritualism' by Allen Putnam investigates the historical context of witchcraft in New England, particularly the Salem witch trials. Putnam critiques previous accounts of witchcraft, arguing that they oversimplify complex events and dishonor the dead. He proposes that modern spiritualism offers insights into these historical occurrences, suggesting that many past accounts reflect genuine spiritual experiences rather than mere hysteria. The book examines the conflicting perspectives of key figures like Cotton Mather and Robert Calef, aiming to present a more nuanced understanding of witchcraft.