Mary Beth Norton is the author of this work of nonfiction. She earned a doctorate degree in history at Harvard University and is the Professor Emeritus of American History at Cornell University. In this book, she presents her thesis that the social and political crises of the time—especially tensions between the English settlers and the Wabanaki—were catalysts that exacerbated the Salem witch crisis. She supports her claim with evidence from primary documents, and when primary sources are not available, she acts as a historical detective and makes knowledgeable inferences. Norton is careful to disclose when she is making inferences, and the book has detailed endnotes citing her sources.

She criticizes previous academic literature on the Salem witch crisis for its narrow focus on the accusers, especially the young women, and on the women convicted of witchcraft. Norton broadens the focus of her research to include the men who were involved. She also argues that the witch crisis can only be properly understood in the context of the Wabanaki attacks, especially King William’s War, which was ongoing in 1692.

A renowned historian, Norton has written extensively on colonial history.