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Title: Factual errors abound
Review: While this book, first published in 1949, is very readable, the serious student will be chagrined by it's factual errors.The writing style makes for a pleasant read, and Ms. Starkey does give the researcher clues where to find the real facts, but for the most part, read this book with a grain of salt.For instance, Ms. Starkey tells us that Lady Mary Phips was the widow of her own father... that the infamous George Burroughs was good at raising molasses kegs with 2 fingers... (the story is a MUSKET not molasses!)The errors continue into even more important realms. (Such as which Nehemiah Abbot was released by virtue of the 'afflicted' deciding they had 'the wrong man' - young Abbot's eloquent defense and calm demeanor should not be negated nor glossed over - or worse - attributed to another man!)On and on, one error after another.Frankly, as often as this book is used as a reference, I'm surprised someone else hasn't pointed out the poor research!
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