The Crucible
by Arthur Miller, Christopher Bigsby
The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Christopher Bigsby holds a well received rating of 3.55 out of 5, based on 243K reader ratings. First published in 1953. The book spans 143 pages.
About The Crucible
"I believe that the reader will discover here the essential nature of one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history," Arthur Miller wrote of his classic play about the witch-hunts and trials in seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts. Based on historical people and real events, Miller's drama is a searing portrait of a community engulfed by hysteria. In the rigid theocracy of Salem, rumors that women are practicing witchcraft galvanize the town's most basic fears and suspicions; and when a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, self-righteous church leaders and townspeople insist that Elizabeth be brought to trial. The ruthlessness of the prosecutors and the eagerness of neighbor to testify against neighbor brilliantly illuminates the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence.Written in 1953, The Crucible is a mirror Miller uses to reflect the anti-communist hysteria inspired by Senator Joseph McCarthy's "witch-hunts" in the United States. Within the text itself, Miller contemplates the parallels, writing, "Political opposition... is given an inhumane overlay, which then justifies the abrogation of all normally applied customs of civilized behavior. A political policy is equated with moral right, and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence."WIth an introduction by Christopher Bigsby.(back cover)
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Arthur Miller, Christopher Bigsby |
| Published | 1953 |
| Pages | 143 |
| Genres | Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.55 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 242,980 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Crucible?
The Crucible is categorized as Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is The Crucible worth reading?
Based on 243K reader ratings, The Crucible has an average score of 3.55 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is The Crucible?
The Crucible has 143 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote The Crucible?
The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller, Christopher Bigsby. It was first published in 1953.
What is the ISBN for The Crucible?
The ISBN-13 for The Crucible is 9780142437340.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
