Emerson W. Baker is Professor of History at Salem State University. He is the author of The Devil of Great Island: Witchcraft and Conflict in Early New England, and co-author of an award-winning biography of Sir William Phips.
Baker's work is a model of responsible historiography ... I anticipate that his historiography will serve as a model for other historians as they deal with similarly complex subjects ... His rock solid historical work and lively, engaging prose made this book both an indispensable contribution to scholarship and a delight to read. I suspect that this is the book on Salem witchcraft for this generation. Scott D. Seay, American Historical Review Baker's book takes a broader picture than many ... [looking] at the relationships between the accusers and the accused, but, more perhaps uniquely into the often close family relationships between the judges. Peter Rogerson, Magonia a cogent, readable, and comprehensive analysis of the literature on the Salem witch trials ... [Baker's] emphasis on the choices made by individuals - to take action or remain passive - makes this work a welcome addition to our attempts to understand the significance of the Salem events of 1692. Elaine G. Breslaw, Journal of American History I found it a really fascinating book. ...once I had started reading it I couldn't put it down. As history books go, I found it is a real page-turner. A Bad Witch's Blog