Richard Francis

Mass hysteria in Massachusetts: the 17th-century witch crisis in America

Malcolm Gaskill describes how, decades before the Salem outbreak, the town of Springfield was convulsed by rumours of witchcraft and heresy

William Pynchon conducted the prosecutions of Hugh and Mary Parsons for witchcraft while being accused of heresy himself. Credit: Getty Images 
issue 30 October 2021
GIF Image

Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it

TRY 3 MONTHS FOR $5
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Start your 3-month trial today for just $5 and subscribe to more than one view

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in