A Short History of the Salem Village Witchcraft Trials Illustrated by a Verbatim Report of the Trial of Mrs. Elizabeth Howe

"A Short History of the Salem Village Witchcraft Trials" by M. V. B. Perley is a gripping exploration into the dark heart of the 17th-century Salem witch trials, where fear and religious extremism fueled a spiral of accusations and executions. The book vividly reconstructs the events leading up to the trials, illustrating how societal anxieties sparked widespread panic and injustice. By presenting firsthand accounts from court documents, the author spotlights Elizabeth Howe's trial, revealing the devastating impact of mass hysteria on individuals and communities. This telling of a chilling episode in American history becomes a mirror reflecting the dangers of unchecked fear and the fragility of justice when confronted with collective paranoia.