Teasers and 'The Witches' by Stacy Schiff

The Witches: Salem, 1692I was absolutely intrigued when I saw The Witches and I was so happy when Orion Books sent me a copy of it! So, dig into it with me.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Cleopatra, the #1 national bestseller, unpacks the mystery of the Salem Witch Trials. 
It began in 1692, over an exceptionally raw Massachusetts winter, when a minister's daughter began to scream and convulse. It ended less than a year later, but not before 19 men and women had been hanged and an elderly man crushed to death. 
The panic spread quickly, involving the most educated men and prominent politicians in the colony. Neighbors accused neighbors, parents and children each other. Aside from suffrage, the Salem Witch Trials represent the only moment when women played the central role in American history. In curious ways, the trials would shape the future republic.
As psychologically thrilling as it is historically seminal, THE WITCHES is Stacy Schiff's account of this fantastical story-the first great American mystery unveiled fully for the first time by one of our most acclaimed historians. 
Tuesday Intros and Teaser Tuesdays are hosted by Diane over at Bibliophile by the Sea and Jenn over at Books and a Beat.

Intro:
'In 1692 the Massachusetts Bay Colony executed fourteen women, five men, and two dogs for witchcraft. The sorcery materialized in January. The first hanging took place in June, the last in September; a stark stunned silence followed. What discomfited those who survived the ordeal was not the cunning practice of witchcraft but the clumsy administration of justice. Innocents indeed appeared to have hanged. But guilty parties had escaped. There was no vow never to forget consigning nine months to oblivion seemed a more appropriate response. It worked, for a generation. We have been conjuring with Salem - America's national nightmare, the undercooked, overripe tabloid episode, the dystopian chapter in our past - ever since. It crackles, flickers, and jolts its way through American history and literature.' p.3
Why did they execute 2 dogs? I love how Schiff says that 'the sorcery materialized' however. So far The Witches has been both historically interesting and very well-written. I'm fascinated with how much Salem has become a symbol for America's fear and paranoia.


TeaserTeaser:
'No one in Salem village lived alone. But suddenly - after Deodat Lawson's alarm and Parris's inflammatory sermon - they seemed less alone than ever. A riot of shadowy sightings followed.' p.106
When I saw this I knew I wanted to share it with you guys! It's such a good example of Schiff's writing style, all mystical and beautifully fictional without losing any of her historic value.

So, what do you think? Like the sound of The Witches?

Comments

  1. OOh spooky teaser! That's a new to me one! Hope you enjoy the rest!

    Here's my Tuesday post

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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    1. I love myself witchcraft books, it sort of makes up for the fact I'm not at Hogwarts! Thanks for commenting :)

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  2. This is one I've meant to read. I do like anything about the salem Witch Trials since we live less than 3 hours from where they took place.

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    1. Oh woow I wish I lived that close because I'm absolutely fascinated by the Salem with trials. Thanks for commenting :)

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  3. The writing is quite captivating and beautiful. It's on my list. I look forward to your review.

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    1. Schiff's writing is definitely one of the major draws to this book for me! Thanks for commenting :)

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  4. I'm with you....why execute the two dogs??? I'm not sure the topic is one that would hold my attention, but thanks for sharing. My teaser this week can be found at: http://abookaddictsview.blogspot.com/2016/05/teaser-tuesday.html

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    1. I can't see how they could think it was rational to kill dogs xD I'm hopping over asap tomorrow! Thanks for commenting :)

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  5. Oh, it makes my skin crawl to think of the execution of witches...but dogs, too? Very bad acts by those in charge.

    Thanks for sharing...and here's mine: “THE EXCELLENT LOMBARDS”

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    1. I think the Salem Witch trials are an amazing example of those in charge losing their focus! Thanks for commenting :)

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  6. I have a signed copy of this one so I say definitely keep reading. I haven't read it, yet. But love the pictures,lol. Enjoy!

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    1. Ooh signed copy, that's exciting! I do love the pictures in it, so pretty and relevant. Thanks for commenting and I hope you enjoy it as well :)

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  7. Ooh yes I'd keep reading these historical instances of witch trials fascinates me! Great opening too.

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    1. Historical books are definitely my favourite non-fiction genre, especially when they have great writing like this one. Thanks for commenting :)

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  8. I'd definitely like to read this. Always been fascinated with the Salem Witches, both reading about them and watching documentaries and movies. Excellent cover too!

    My TT from Onyx Webb

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    1. They're so interesting, aren't they? I can't get enough of them. I'm popping over to yours! Thanks for commenting :)

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  9. That time in history is so interesting. I loved visiting Salem.

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  10. Ohhhhh -- Schiff is so great.

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  11. Oh, this sounds absolutely riveting!! I don't read as much history as I should, seeing as how reality is often stranger than fiction. I've got to put this one on my Goodreads shelves! I just know I'm going to be fascinated, even though the subject matter is definitely creepy. And I'm SO glad such a thing couldn't happen today! Or could it? Hmmm... And then I go off into conspiracy theories....

    You've hooked me on this book, girl!! Thanks for featuring it! Also, thanks for dropping by and commenting on my Tuesday Intros post!! Have a lovely week!! :)

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  12. Hi Juli - I have been reading your blog. You have a very impressive site.

    I read both Cleopatra and A Great Improvisation by Stacy Schiff and thought that they were both fantastic history books. I really like her writing style too.

    I have had this on on my radar and I want to read it.

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