Williamsburg Regional Library

Mayflower lives, Pilgrims in a new world and the early American experience, Martyn Whittock

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 275-295) and index

index present

non fiction

Mayflower lives

bibliography

1110014616

Martyn Whittock

Pilgrims in a new world and the early American experience

Leading into the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower, Martyn Whittock examines the lives of the "saints" (members of the Separatist puritan congregations) and "strangers" (economic migrants) on the original ship. Collectively, these people would become known to history as "the Pilgrims." The story of the Pilgrims has taken on a life of its own as one of our founding national myths-their escape from religious persecution, the dangerous transatlantic journey, that brutal first winter. Throughout the narrative, we meet characters already familiar to us through Thanksgiving folklore-Captain Jones, Myles Standish, and Tisquantum (Squanto)-as well as new ones. There is Mary Chilton, the first woman to set foot on shore, and asylum seeker William Bradford. We meet fur trapper John Howland and little Mary More, who was brought as an indentured servant. Then there is Stephen Hopkins, who had already survived one shipwreck and was the only Mayflower passenger with any prior American experience. Decidedly un-puritanical, he kept a tavern and was frequently chastised for allowing drinking on Sundays. Epic and intimate, Mayflower Lives is a rich and rewarding book that promises to enthrall readers of early American history.--, Publisher's description

Introduction -- The Master's story: Christopher Jones, Master of the Mayflower -- The asylum seeker's story: William Bradford, a saint fleeing Babylon -- The mother's story: Susanna White, mother of the first baby born in New England -- The adventurer's story: Stephen Hopkins, survivor of shipwreck and the unique New World experience -- The outsider's story: Tisquantum (Squanto), Native American -- The teenager's story: Mary Chilton, reputedly the first to step onto Plymouth Rock -- The exiled little servant's story: Mary More, unwanted four-year-old -- The man overboard's story: John Howland, indentured servant, negotiator, and fur trapper -- The preacher's story: William Brewster, saint, diplomat, and preacher -- The pamphleteer's story: Edward Winslow, Pilgrim leader, colony agent, and lobbyist -- The soldier's story: Captain Myles Standish, Commander of the Plymouth Colony militia -- The lovers' story: John Alden and Priscilla Mullins -- The rebels' story: the Billingtons, the Soules, and other challenges to morality and order -- The American mariner's story: Richard More, New World sea captain -- Seeing the New England forest for the trees

adult