Salem: Place, Myth, and Memory

by Dane Anthony Morrison (Editor), Robert Booth

How is a sense of place created, imagined, and reinterpreted over time? That is the intriguing question addressed in this comprehensive look at the 400-year history of Salem, Massachusetts, and the experiences of fourteen generations of people who lived in a place mythologized in the public imagination by the horrific witch trials and executions of 1692 and 1693.

But from its settlement in 1626 to the present, Salem was, and is, much more than this. In this volume, contributors from a variety of fields examine Salem's multiple urban frontier outpost of European civilization, cosmopolitan seaport, gateway to the Far East, refuge for religious diversity, center for education, and of course, "Witch City" tourist attraction.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2004

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mention Salem, Massachusetts and the first thought for most people turns to the witch trials. But Salem was much more than just a Puritan Massachusetts. Salem: Place, Myth, and Memory presents a series of essays showing facets of the city from a number of viewpoints and timeframes, not the least of which was how native-son Nathaniel Hawthorne characterized it in his writings. Intended for students of local history or American studies, the book looks at a single municipality across the expanse of time. It was an entertaining read.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good guide for one invested in the history of Salem. More in-depth than a mere travel guide, this explores the city's sense of place and contributing factors that make up modern-day Salem. Each chapter is an essay written by knowledgeable historians, specialists, even a crime writer. The book gives the reader an overview of Salem as a maritime empire, Salem as "Witch City," Salem as Hawthorne's vision, etc. It explores the different changes that shaped the city as we now know it. The information is analytical and factual.

[Lee Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear book, it's not you, it's me. I won't be finishing this book. Salem's history is interesting, yes, but I thought I might read this whole book when I was only trying to do research on modern Salem witchcraft for my novel. The eleventh chapter was thus useful to me, but the rest just gave me headaches. I'm sorry, dear writers who took the time to put this book together.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good if you are planning a historical trip to Salem, MA