The Salem witch trials remain one of the most shocking and studied episodes in American history. Within the span of 15 months, the legal proceedings around the trials swept up at least 144 people, secured the confessions of 54 individuals and led to the execution of 20, mostly women. The hysteria and the accusations reached far beyond the geographic limits of Salem Village, eventually engulfing more than 20 towns and villages in the vicinity. Now, in this Special Edition from TIME-LIFE - The Salem Witch Trials - readers can revisit the witch trials, study their European origins and understand "the climate of fear" both then and now. This Special Edition is also full of historic photographs and images of Salem, the participants, and more, and a special section devoted to modern witchcraft and witches in the movies and on television.