I'll echo that Starkey is outdated and unreliable. Boyer and Nissbaum is a fascinating look at the sociological factors but sometimes too slanted, especially if it's the first book on the subject that you're reading. I haven't read Norton's book. For specifics regarding Salem, I'd agree with the recommendation of _Salem Story: Reading the Witch Trials of 1692_ by Bernard Rosenthal. Also, I think Salem should be seen as an extreme episode in the century-long use of witchcraft prosecutions as a means of resolving community disputes and other tensions. With that in mind, my recommendations would be John Demos, _Entertaining Satan_ or Richard Weisman's _Witchcraft, Magic and Religion in 17th Century Massachusetts_. Francine Nicholson _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus