Delusion Or The Witch Of New England

Book excerpt: Eliza Buckminster Lee wrote a book titled Delusion: Or The Witch of New England in 1839. The narrative centres on the life of a young woman named Mary Schweidler and is set in early 17th-century New England. The people of Coserow suspect Mary of being a witch, and as a result, she faces persecution and torment. The real-life witch trials that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century are fictionalised in the book. Mary, a courageous and strong woman who is driven to establish her innocence, tells the tale. Superstition, mob power, and religious extremism are among the issues that are explored in the book. It also emphasises the value of justice as well as the perils of prejudice and hysteria. A compelling and thought-provoking book, Delusion: Or The Witch of New England provides an intriguing look at the background of witchcraft and the American witch trials. This rare antiquarian book is a facsimile replica of the ancient original and can include some marks and annotations from the library.