Cotton Mather

Cotton Mather (1663–1728) was a prominent New England Puritan minister, historian, and writer. He played a significant role in colonial America’s religious and intellectual life, contributing to theological debates and promoting education through the founding of Harvard’s libraries. Mather is perhaps best known for his involvement in the Salem witch trials, where he supported the pursuit of accused witches. His work also included publishing numerous books on religion, science, and history, reflecting his wide-ranging interests. Despite his influence, his reputation has been debated, especially regarding his stance on witchcraft and societal issues of his time.