Scan barcode
funsizelibrarian's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it was a very readable, often amusing, look at the history of witch hunts in America. On the other hand, it often felt like the humor didn't fit the subject. Yes, a lot of it sounds ridiculous now, but it was also a horrifying experience that culminated in a lot of government sanctioned murder. Stepping back from history does give us a distance from the subjects, but we shouldn't forget that these were real people who were persecuted on hearsay.
beesandbooks's review
2.0
All in all this book was mostly disappointing. It made me laugh a couple of times, but the tone can’t make up for the poor research and inaccurate presentation of that research. This book is definitely best suited for someone with no knowledge of the topic who wants a comedic introduction to the history of witchcraft and witchcraft accusations in America. Otherwise, you’ll likely be disappointed and bored by what history is included at all.
For the full review, check out my blog beesandbooks.home.blog
For the full review, check out my blog beesandbooks.home.blog
pinars's review against another edition
4.0
This was an extremely entertaining read. The topic of witches in America is grim at first, although the writer makes it bearable with her sense of humor. It does get lighter in tone once the hangings stop and it's just weird stuff people believe and the distance they go for it. Not an academic resource but I did learn a lot of details along the way. The epilogue is about the Blair Witch Project and as one of those people who had seen the website before the film (and was, like, WTF) it was really interesting to read how that whole thing played out.