34 pages • 1 hour read
Richard GodbeerEscaping Salem
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In 1692 Stamford, Connecticut, Katherine Branch, a maidservant, has unexplained fits, leading to accusations of witchcraft against several local women. The ensuing trial is marked by a cautious approach to avoid the hysteria of the Salem witch trials, ultimately resulting in the acquittal of all accused, emphasizing the measured and divided responses of the community compared to the mass panic in Salem.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Escaping Salem by Richard Godbeer is widely praised for its detailed and engaging narrative, which provides a compelling take on a lesser-known witch trial. Reviewers appreciate its thorough historical research and accessible writing. Some criticisms note a desire for deeper analysis of broader witch trial implications. Overall, it's a well-regarded, informative read.
Who Should Read Escaping Salem?
A reader who enjoys Escaping Salem by Richard Godbeer likely has a keen interest in early American history, legal studies, and folklore. They would appreciate its detailed examination of the lesser-known Stamford witch trials of 1692. Fans of The Crucible by Arthur Miller and Salem Possessed by Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum will find it particularly engaging.