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Cotton Mather Books

Cotton Mather Books

Introduction

Cotton Mather was a prominent figure in early American history, known for his contributions to religion, science, and literature. He was a prolific writer who authored numerous books on various topics, including theology, history, science, and medicine. In this article, we will explore Cotton Mather's literary works, specifically his books and their impact on American literature.

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Who was Cotton Mather?

Cotton Mather was a Puritan minister, scholar, and author who lived in Boston, Massachusetts, during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was born in 1663 in Boston to a prominent family of Puritan ministers. He attended Harvard College at the age of 12 and graduated with honors. He became a minister and served as the pastor of the North Church in Boston for over 30 years.
Mather was a prolific writer who authored over 450 books and pamphlets during his lifetime. He was interested in a wide range of subjects, including religion, science, history, medicine, and literature. He was also an early advocate of smallpox inoculation, which he promoted in his book "The Christian Philosopher" (1721).

Cotton Mather's Contributions to Literature

Cotton Mather is considered one of the most significant literary figures of early American literature. He was a versatile writer who wrote on a wide range of topics and genres. He was also a prolific writer who published numerous books and pamphlets throughout his lifetime.
Mather's writings reflect his Puritan beliefs and values. He believed that literature should be used to educate and instruct people on moral and religious issues. His books often contained moral lessons and were written in a didactic style.
Cotton Mather was one of the most important figures in colonial New England. He played a significant role in the development of American Puritanism and was a prominent voice in the Salem witch trials. Mather's works, particularly Magnalia Christi Americana, have had a lasting impact on American literature and history. His legacy is complex, as his involvement in the witch trials has been heavily criticized. However, his contributions to American religious and intellectual life cannot be denied.

Notable Books by Cotton Mather

  • Magnalia Christi Americana
    Magnalia Christi Americana, which translates to The Great Acts of Christ in America, is Cotton Mather's most famous work. It is a seven-volume ecclesiastical history of New England, spanning from 1620 to 1698. The work is divided into seven books, each covering a different period in New England's history. The first book covers the founding of New England, while the second book focuses on the lives of the early governors. The third and fourth books cover the history of Harvard College and the conversion of the Native Americans to Christianity, respectively. The fifth book is devoted to the lives of the Puritan ministers, while the sixth book covers the witch trials in Salem. The final book is a collection of biographies of notable New Englanders.
  • Wonders of the Invisible World
    Wonders of the Invisible World is a book about witchcraft and the Salem witch trials. It was published in 1693, in the aftermath of the trials. The book argues that the trials were justified and that the accused were guilty of witchcraft. It also contains several accounts of supernatural occurrences in New England, including possession by demons and witchcraft.
  • Bonifacius, or Essays to Do Good
    Bonifacius, or Essays to Do Good, is a collection of essays written by Cotton Mather. The book was published in 1710 and is a call to action for Christians to do good in the world. The essays cover a variety of topics, including charity, education, and the treatment of Native Americans. The book was popular during Mather's lifetime and had a significant influence on the evangelical movement in America.

Legacy of Cotton Mather's Books

Cotton Mather's books had a significant impact on American literature and culture. His writings reflect the values and beliefs of early American Puritanism and helped shape the cultural identity of New England. His book "Magnalia Christi Americana" is considered a classic of American literature and is still widely read today.
Mather's writings also influenced other literary figures, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe.
Cotton Mather's books were influential in their time, and they continue to be studied today. His works on history and religion helped to shape the early American identity, and his essays on social and moral issues helped to promote social reform. His legacy is still felt today in American literature and culture.
Cotton Mather's books left a lasting impact on literature and society. His contributions to the fields of religion, history, and science were significant, and his books are still studied and revered today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What was Cotton Mather's role in the Salem witch trials? A: Cotton Mather was a prominent voice in the Salem witch trials. He believed that the accused were guilty of witchcraft and supported the use of spectral evidence in their trials.
  • Q: What is Cotton Mather's most famous work? A: Cotton Mather's most famous work is Magnalia Christi Americana, a seven-volume ecclesiastical history of New England.
  • Q: How many works did Cotton Mather publish? A: Cotton Mather published over 400 works during his lifetime.
  • Q: What was the subject matter of Bonifacius, or Essays to Do Good? A: Bonifacius, or Essays to Do Good, is a collection of essays on various topics, including charity, education, and the treatment of Native Americans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cotton Mather was a prominent figure in colonial American literature, known for his vast contributions to various genres such as history, theology, and science. His books played an essential role in shaping the intellectual and cultural climate of his time, and his influence continues to be felt today. Mather's writings on religion and spirituality, in particular, remain influential to this day, as do his works on science and medicine. Despite the controversies surrounding some of his beliefs and actions, Mather's books continue to be studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike, making him a significant figure in the history of American literature.