This fascinating and informative source covers the history of witchcraft in the United States from the hysteria that facilitated the witch hunts during the colonial period to modern day followers of Wicca. The six chapters present stories of accused witches in American colonies before 1692 and the events leading up to the Salem witch trials, including the tragic aftermath. The 13 primary source documents include excerpts from trial transcripts, diary entries, public notices and more. Ten biographical essays highlight prominent figures related to the Salem witch trials and include:

Robert Calef -- critic of the Salem trials
Rachel Clinton -- accused of witchcraft
Nathaniel Hawthorne -- novelist
Rebecca Towne Nurse -- executed as a witch
Tituba -- slave and accused leader of the Salem witch ring
and many others.

Also included are 55 images, sidebars, glossary, timeline, sources for further study and a subject index.