Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Strangers and the Separatists: Finished Nathaniel Philbrick's new 'Mayflower.' Terrific. Another big thumbs up. It's all there: Miles Standish, the Winslows, the Mayflower Compact, Massasoit, the Mohawks, Pokanokets, Nipmucks, King Phillip etc. I was aware of the broad sweep of the area's early colonial history. But I really didn't know the detailed history. ... Two things stand out: 1.) The Puritans, in their early years in Plymouth, were much more flexible than one would normally associate with religious fanatics. It's why they survived. I came away with deep admiration for them. 2.) Philbrick really brings the Indians and their complex societies and tragedies to life.
