Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem

This is a well-researched history of the Salem Witch Trials and the misery and tragedy inflicted upon many innocent people. To the modern day intellect it is frustrating to read how horribly mistreated these people were who were accused of witchcraft, especially when the accusations were so flimsy and supported many times only on “spectral evidence.” (The author provides an extensive bibliography of her research and an index.) At the very outset of the book, Rosalyn Schanzer provides an illustrated accounting of both the accused and the accusers which aids the reader in keeping track of the many characters in this sprawling tragedy. Ms Schanzer’s illustrations, throughout the book, are hauntingly rendered in scratchboard with only a touch of red. They really are quite riveting and have garnered Ms Schanzer the award “Best Illustrated Book of 2011” by the Society of Illustrators. Recommended by Kate Stehman, Librarian, Pennsylvania USA