A review by donaldleitch
The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World by Malcolm Gaskill

informative sad slow-paced

4.0

The Ruin of All Witches is a thoroughly researched account of mid 17th century Springfield, Massachusetts.  Through the book, i understand the culture of the community including the power that fear had on people’s lives.  Day to day experiences are interpreted through the eyes of God and whether God is pleased or not pleased with individuals and the community.  Malevolent forces were always to blame when individuals were faced with poor crops, illness and death, even a failed pudding.