Witches and Witch-Hunts: From The Salem Trials to The Blair Witch Project
compiled 2-25-05

NON-FICTION

Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials by Marc Aronson / YA 133.43 AR
Sifts though the facts, myths, half-truths, misinterpretations, and theories around the Salem witch trials to present a vivid narrative of one of the most compelling mysteries in American History.

Elements of Witchcraft: Natural Magick for Teensby Ellen Dugan / YA 133.43 DU
A teen's guide to everything you've always wanted to know about spells, rituals and "the art and science of effecting positive change in your life."

Witches and Witch-Hunts: History of Persecution by Milton Meltzer / YA 133.43 ME
A thought provoking look at devastating examples of prejudice and hysteria from Salem, Massachusetts to Joseph McCarthy.

Witches by Bryna Stevens / YA 133.43 ST
A Great Mysteries: Opposing Viewpoints book that is "written for the curious…those who enjoy the hunt for solutions to the unexplained."

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft by Denise Zimmermann and Katherine A. Gleason / 133.43 ZI
Informative and fun, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft, breaks down the misconceptions and myths about one of the most ancient and empowering traditions on the planet. A guide for beginners and advanced alike.

The Books of Magic Neil Gaiman, et. al. / YA 741 GA
This graphic novel tells the story of Tim Hunter, a young boy who realizes his magical potential with the help of some mysterious characters including John Constantine, paranormal investigator, former punk rocker and general con man.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller / 812.52 MI
Arthur Miller's classic dramatization of the Salem witch hunt, a chilling tale of mass hysteria, fear and the power of suggestion.

FICTION

Burning Issy by Melvin Burgess / YA F BURG
The story of a seventeenth century girl who struggles to discover who she is and what she should believe in as she faces the most fearsome accusation of her time.

Beyond the Burning Time by Kathryn Lasky / YA F LASK
The year is 1691, and darkness is gathering in the quiet houses of Salem Village. Twelve-year-old Mary Chase is filled with fear, for several girls have begun to exhibit strange behavior. can it be true that some of the most respectable and God-fearing folk in Salem are really witches, casting spells on Mary's friends?

Witch Child by Celia Rees / YA F REES
"First they 'walked' her, marching her up and down between them, for a day and a night until she could no longer hobble, her feet all bloody and swollen. But she would not confess. So the set about to prove she was a witch…" Young Mary Newbury escapes persecution to the American colonies, but will the witch frenzy uncover her past?

Sorceress by Celia Rees / YA F REES
Sequel to Witch Child, Sorceress tells the story of Agnes Heren, a teenage Iroquois girl living in Boston who discovers a connection between her family and the mysterious Mary Newbury, the self-professed seventeenth century witch.

Here There Be Witches by Jane Yolen / YA F YOLE
An intriguing brew of stories and poems about witches, wizards and warlocks spanning from Hansel and Gretel to a Native American shape shifting shaman.

Young Witches & Warlocks, edited by Isaac Asimov / YA F YOUN
This collection of short stories all feature young people with amazing powers, which some use for good and some for their own dark purposes…and some just for lighthearted pranks and stunts.

WEB RESOURCES

http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft
The University of Virginia's Salem witch trials documentary archive, features original documents from the trials as well as detailed maps of the area and first hand accounts.

http://www.salemweb.com/memorial/
Web page for the witch trial memorial in Salem, Massachusetts.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/salem
A interactive witch hunt page that lets you investigate the trials.

http://www.illusions.com/burning
Web site dedicated to the memory of those persecuted in witch hunts through out history.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm
Great page that clearly and honestly explains the myths and realities of religions commonly called "witchcraft."

VIDEOS

Intimate Portrait, Witches / VC 291.33 IN
Documentary about witches witchcraft, and the history of witch hunts and persecution.

The Blair Witch Project / VC F BLAI
Fictional documentary "made" by three young people who venture into the haunted woods of Burkittsville, Maryland and are never seen alive again.