Who reads "strange" books in the play?

In "The Crucible," John Hale is portrayed as a well-read and intellectual character, particularly noted for his expertise in witchcraft and the supernatural. He arrives in Salem with a certain confidence and authority, having been summoned to investigate the accusations of witchcraft. Hale is known for his scholarly approach and for bringing with him books that are considered strange or unusual in the context of the Puritan society.

His reading interests highlight his initial belief in his ability to discern the presence of witchcraft through knowledge and reason, as well as the importance of academia in understanding the natural and supernatural worlds. However, his reliance on these strange books ultimately leads to a conflict within himself as he grapples with the morality of the witch trials and the realization that his book knowledge does not account for the human emotions and fears driving the accusations in Salem.

The other characters mentioned do not share the same level of engagement with unconventional literature or have the same scholarly background that Hale does. John Proctor, for example, is more practical and focused on the immediate consequences of the trials rather than engaging in the academic exploration that Hale embodies.