Analysis Of A Storm Of Witchcraft By Emerson Baker

In his book A Storm of Witchcraft, Emerson Baker takes his time describing in detail the many factors that culminated in making the Witch Trials of Salem, Massachusetts such an infamous and unique event to Colonial America as well as witchcraft cases throughout the world at the time. The piece provides an interpretation of the Puritan theocracy during the time, and possible reasons that lead to its eventual implosion. As he presents both factual and idealistic evidence in his book, Baker offers his proposal as a conglomerate of ideally timed events leading to the unique events that occurred in Salem eventually causing the degradation of the Puritan based government.
In the first portion of Baker’s two part work, he presents “a factual summary

of the events of the witch hunt,” (9). Within this portion of the book he details multiple points of witchcraft interest such as; John Winthrop’s “A City Upon a Hill” speech, those afflicted in Salem, the judges that tried them, and other such relevant subjects. Baker then examines in the second portion of the piece, potential reasons as to why the trials of Salem were so monumental. He states that after “having laid out the facts historians agree upon, the rest of the book will search for explanations” (9). Baker asserts that there is no sole explanation as to what caused the incident, but rather explains that it was produced by the culmination of several punctual factors. During his evaluation, he offers an interesting opinion in regard to those in power following the resolution of the outbreak. When touching on the neglect and abuse of power by what he refers to as the Puritan theocracy, Baker highlights Governor Phips as having “helped to start America down the long road to revolution and independence” (207). This line backs up his idea that the judges played more of a part during the trials than was previously asserted, because of their suggested effect on the period afterwards.
There are many pieces that link together to form the solid foundation of Emerson Baker’s book for example; his recognition of the genealogy of those accused, the significance of the judges, and his use of secondary sources within the work.

He points out that genealogy played a significant role when it came to the name calling of witches as those that had accepted the halfway covenant, and their families were often targeted. Baker explains that “Virtually all of the ministers who were accused or had family accused preached in New England churches that had accepted the halfway covenant.” (137). In addition to identifying a religious catalyst, Baker also finds a political, and somewhat egotistical factor that is partly responsible for the onset of the trials. He places blame on the court judges when stating, “Their losses, and the colony’s, would have left them looking for someone else to blame” (185). This excerpt is important, because it provides motive for the author’s charge of neglectful misuse of power by the former military/political office holders that were in charge of the court of oyer and terminer. Several other entries of strength pertaining to the work come from the editor’s note of David Hackett Fisher. He praises Baker’s application of secondary sources within his work when stating, “These materials are not merely cited here. They are put to work, and very creatively” (xiv). His use of secondary sources is relevant in that applying said sources helps him convey his findings and opinions in the most accurate and in depth ways

possible.
A potential weak link in Emerson Baker’s book pertains to its structure, but there are arguments for and against this claim. The structure in question is the division of what is and what is not factual. One can argue that history is built upon one’s interpretation of past events, therefore; there are no real facts to be found. On the other hand, Editor Fisher finds Baker’s structure to be ground breaking. His opinion is noted by his statement, “Another strength of this book appears in its architecture, which is highly original, and very creative in another way. It may become a model for writings on other subjects” (xiv). Whether it is or is not a flaw, the book’s structure allows the author to more effectively present his point to the reader which is the overall goal of the piece.
To summarize, Emerson Baker effectively presents evidence for his argument that multiple factors conglomerated to form the fire known as the Salem Witch Trials. The book gives an overview of the periods before, up to, and after the trials, as well as in-depth analysis of why the Puritan theocracy crumbled. Overall, A Storm of Witchcraft presents the reader with a plethora of pertinent information useful in better understanding the witch trials of Salem, and alternate explanations of the subject matter. This book would most likely benefit post graduate student that are in closely related historical fields of study. Due to its illustration of colonial geography and civics, in addition to the extensive research done to further the understanding of this particular historical event.