Eventually a small handful of separatist made it to America after being hoodwinked, taken advantage of, screwed over and repeatedly stumbling in one unlucky situation after another.
The first part of the book, Bradford shares the complex and confusing tale of how the separatist (later known as the Pilgrims) fled to Holland due to religious persecution from the state church and the puritans. It seems these reviewer didn't realize that Bradford was NOT a puritan. I imagine many who had to read "Of Plymouth Plantation" likely pride themselves as being "tolerant" and ironically to be tolerant, means one has a moral obligation to be extremely intolerant towards Christians, especially the Puritan sort. But still the book doesn't deserve to be dished like it is here, William Bradford did shared many aspects of a fascinating journey that we don't learn in modern history books. Sure, this book was not always the most entertaining or smooth going read and yes Bradford was a flaming calvinist, so his perspective on God's providence is highly disagreeable. I am giving this book 5 stars to balance out the multitudes of uncharitable ratings found here. The current edition rendered into modern English and with an introduction by Harold Paget, remains among the most readable books from seventeenth-century America. Lost during the American Revolution, they were discovered years later in London and published after a protracted legal battle. His memoirs of the colony remained virtually unknown until the nineteenth century. Revered for his patience, wisdom, and courage, Bradford was elected to the office of governor in 1621, and he continued to serve in that position for more than three decades. No one was better equipped to report on the affairs of the Plymouth community than William Bradford. It vividly documents the Pilgrims' adventures: their first stop in Holland, the harrowing transatlantic crossing aboard the Mayflower, the first harsh winter in the new colony, and the help from friendly Native Americans that saved their lives. The most important and influential source of information about the Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony, this landmark account was written between 16.
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