Acknowledgments

Ideas in this book have occupied my mind for many years, and the book captures many of my broader scholarly interests and commitments: the social and pragmatic aspects of language in historical periods, the importance of synchronic-historical research, and the use of carefully represented and contextualized source materials. I am immensely grateful to colleagues and friends who have provided rich feedback on the research of this book over the years, including participants at the International Conference of English Historical Linguistics (ICEHL), Studies in the History of the English Language (SHEL), and other venues. The book has been significantly strengthened by the critical reading of experts: Matti Peikola, who graciously and meticulously read the full manuscript; Joanna Kopaczyk, who critically and insightfully reviewed Chapter 3, on the Salem Community of Practice; and James W. Hartman, who read several early chapter drafts with his customary acumen and wit. The two reviewers for the press have also helped hone the content and style of the book in substantive ways.

The research has been generously supported by General Research Fund grants as well as a sabbatical from the University of Kansas, and by a Haines Fellowship from the English Department at the University of Kansas, which allowed me additional research time.

I gratefully acknowledge the professional and expert handling of the book by the Benjamins team (series editor Anita Fetzer, managing editor Isja Conen, and their associates). Their approach and enthusiasm have made the publishing experience smooth and even enjoyable.

My most heartfelt thanks go to my family for their support and patience: my equal partner in all things, Molly, who has discussed many ideas of the book with me, and my daughter, Iris, who is growing up way too fast! This book is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, Margit Hedberg, who believed in my choices.

The Salem witch trials represent one of the most tragic events in US history, and I recognize that my research is indebted to its actors, whether accusers or victims. While using the trial documents, this book does not aim to resolve the many conundrums of this event. At the same time, it does contextualize the actors and social moves in the trials, and as such hopefully contributes to greater understanding of the trials and especially the powerful role of language in the events.