A riveting historical drama of the first published rape trial in American history and its long, shattering aftermath, revealing how much has changed over two centuries - and how much has not.
John Callow Books
This author delves into the complexities of the human psyche and social dynamics. Their work is characterized by a keen insight into human nature and a compelling narrative style. With a profound understanding of the nuances of human experience, the author crafts stories that resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. Their writing stands as a testament to their ability to capture the essence of the human condition.
"On the mornng of Thursday 29 June 1682, a magpie came tapping at the window of a prosperous Devon merchant. Within hours, his household had convinced itself that the bird was sent by witches to destroy their lives. As a result of these allegations, three women from Bideford -- Temperance Lloyd, Susanna Edwards, and Mary Trembles -- came to be identified as witches and a full-scale witch hunt shook the town. Ultimately, they were condemned to hang, as the last group of women to be executed for the crime in English history. Never more than half-forgotten, the memory of these three women has been transformed from hatred to regret, and from regret into celebration. The horror of their judicial murder was discussed in the Parliamentary debates that saw the last of the witchcraft acts repealed, while their names were chanted, as both inspiration and incantation, by women far beyond the wire at Greenham Common. This book explores this remarkable reversal of fate and the tale of want, sorcery and savage persecution that created the Bideford Witches." -- p. 4 of cover
James Stanley, the 7th Earl of Derby, played a crucial role in the Civil War in Lancashire and held significant governance over the North-West of England for 25 years. As the Lord of the Isle of Man, he wielded quasi-royal powers and cultivated a vibrant court culture marked by poetry, plays, and masques, reflecting the artistic and social dynamics of his time. His influence extended beyond politics, shaping the cultural landscape of the region during a tumultuous period in English history.
