Books for/about - Plymouth

Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War

Publisher: Viking Adult
Authors: Nathaniel Philbrick

ISBN: 0670037605
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Summary: A critical period in our history that most Americans know precious little about.
Recently I received "Mayflower" as a birthday gift from my mother-in-law. Although I read lots of books about history and politics this is probably not a book I would have bought myself.
Shame on me. In "Mayflower" author Nathaniel Philbrick has done a splendid job of clarifying just what happening in New England in the years 1620 to 1676. For sure it is a much more interesting and complicated story than I had ever imagined. From the very first chapter I found "Mayflower" to be compelling reading.
The first part of "Mayflower" focuses on the voyage itself. Personally I never knew that the Pilgrims had embarked on this journey not from England, but from the city of Leidon in the Netherlands. Nor had I ever heard of the Speedwell, a vessel the Pilgrims had purchased for the express purpose of helping them to relocate to the New World. You will learn why Speedwell was forced to abort its voyage just off the coast of Plymouth, England and how it came to be that the group travelled to the New World aboard the Mayflower.
After the long and arduous journey across the Atlantic the Pilgrims endured unimaginable hardships during the first few years on these shores. A large number would perish from disease and starvation during the early days of Plimoth colony. All the while the group would struggle to establish relationships with a number of different native American tribes in the New England area. For me, these complicated and ever changing relationships are really the heart and soul of "Mayflower". You will come to understand why certain tribes gravitated to and were very supportive of the English while others would prove to be extremely hostile. What's more you will discover why a great many of these alliances were extremely fragile and subject to change. To fully understand what was happening you have to become acquainted with the key players. Philbrick introduces us to important people like William Bradford, Edward Winslow and Benjamin Church as well as key Native American leaders like Massasoit and his son Philip. And if you have never heard of King Philips War you will come to understand why this 14 month battle between the English and Native Americans would prove to be so decisive. The inclusion of a number of large and well-marked maps throughout the book assist the reader in coming to a clear understanding of just what was happening in New England at any given time.
When my mother-in-law presented me with "Mayflower" for my birthday she mentioned that a local newspaper recommended this book as "great summer reading". I would have to concur. I simply could not put "Mayflower" down. This is a well written book that deserves your attention. You will learn an awful lot! Highly recommended!

Summary: with realistic expectations, you will enjoy this book
Mr Philbrick's 'In The Heart Of The Sea' was a gem. 'Mayflower' is a diamond in the rough that never quite achieves the same luster. It is certainly interesting and can hold your interest but somehow it is flat. If you have an interest in the subject, or in correcting falsehoods in our glorified history then you will enjoy this book. If you were a fan of 'In The Heart Of The Sea' and are looking for the next Philbrick book to captivate you like that, then you may be disappointed. Read it, enjoy it, just dont expect to be blown out of the water.

Summary: An Very Good Readable History of a Essential American Topic
This book is a very rewarding well written history on a topic I thought I knew more than enough about. I was surprised by how much I learned, some minor details other signifigant historical events which are left out of most history textbooks. Modern Americans seem to equate the Puritan settlers of this era as foreign to modern America. In reading Mayflower you reattach the humanity that links pre-revolutionary America to modern America.

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	Of Plymouth Plantation Publisher: The Vision Forum, Inc. Authors: William Bradford
ISBN: 0966523334 List Price: $24.00 Amazon Price: $15.60 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 5 Reviews: Summary: Excellent Read This is an excellent book on early American history and the plight for religious freedom from England and other European countries. Just like William P. Grady's book 'What Hath God Wrought', this should be required reading of high schools and colleges. Summary:

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	Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Tree House #27) Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers Authors: Mary Pope Osborne Sal Murdocca
ISBN: 0375806156 List Price: $3.99 Amazon Price: $3.99 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 4 Reviews: Summary: The Magic Tree house The story startes out when Jack and his little sister Annie are on their way to a place called Plymouth. At first they had no idea where they were until Jack was hung after he accidently steped into a trap; they finally found out where they were. First, this story takes place during the time of the pilgrims coming to the United States from England on a ship well-known as the Mayflower. The story's sequence startes when Jack and Annie are introduced to all the pilgrims and an indian; his name Squanto. Sooner on in the story Jack and Annie learn how to hunt and fish for there own food. While in a women's house Jack learned how to cook over the fire. But, they run into a problem; they didn't know how things ran around there. But a women nice enough told them just that. Her nam was Prinscilla. Last in the story they have wonderful and unforgiving diner. Also known as the First Thanksgiving Feast. Jack and Annie enjoyed their time in Plymouth because they have learned as much as I did. I thought that this book was an awesome experience for me because I have learned alot about the pilgrims and what it was like back in the day. Summary: do jack and annie ruin the first thanksgiving Do jack and annnie ruin the first thanksgiving find out in thanksgiving on thursday.I gave this story 5 stars beacause you feel like you are in the place and time. Summary: Catherine Z. 's Review This book is about Jack and Annie's adventure in 1602 (The day of the first Thanksgiving.). In their adventure, they met Squanto and helped prepare the food for the first Thanksgiving. I'd reccomend this book because it helps kids learn about the first Thanksgiving and it helps kids learn about it in a fun way. Summary:

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. . . If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Authors: Ann McGovern Anna DiVito

ISBN: 0590451618
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Summary: A Wonderful Resource; A Great Story
I am a teacher who was looking for a book for my students to use when we study Thanksgiving. Without a doubt, this story is one of the best that we use. It is a great introduction to reading non-fiction, and it provides a wealth of information for students, parents, and teachers.

My students love the story. They can easily understand the Question-Answer format, and it is not overwhelming in its content. It's written in an 'easy reading' style that the students can understand. They are really interested in what the kids did during this time, especially what they did for fun.

I recommend this book to any student who wants to know more about the Pilgrims and their arrival to America. I also recommend this to any adult who is looking for a wonderful non-fiction book for their favorite child(ren).

Summary: This book is hard to put down!
I got "If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620" for our Thanksgiving unit based on several glowing recommendations. I was not disappointed. Both my 5 yo and I had a hard stopping once we got started. I learned things about the Pilgrims I'd never known. And, the content is fascinating for children. It covered such curious topics as Did they bathe on the Mayflower?, What did they eat?, How were people who broke the law punished?, What did children do? It was written to entertain anyone over the age of 4. It's a question/answer book and exceptionally well done.

Summary: Great Book
I purchased this book for my Grandchildren but this is not only a great book for 4-8 year olds but for anyone over 4. You might learn some things you didn't know. By the way, if you ever go to Plymouth you can go on the Mayflower II, and be sure to visit Plimoth Plantation (it's like going back in time to 1630).

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Plymouth Plantation 1620 - 1647

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
Authors: William Bradford

ISBN: 0075542811
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 4
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Summary: Not quite the Thanksgiving tale
I don't honestly know who reads Of Plymouth Plantation the most. Professors conducting research? Students assigned to read it? As I am neither, and decided to go ahead and try something daring, perhaps my thoughts are of some value. I say daring when referring to this work by the Puritan leader William Bradford primarily because reading documents of that era is somewhat difficult. The work spans the years 1620 to 1647, so the language is closer to Shakespeare than it is to us. Already we can see notable improvement from the bard, but sometimes the going is rough. It certainly helps that in this edition, Samuel Eliot Morison has standardized the spelling, written out in full the abbreviations, and provided useful footnotes. Believe me, it makes a difference. It also helps that this first governor of the Plymouth colony, who came over on the Mayflower, writes in a reasonably clear style. The evidence may be found in the many letters written by other Pilgrims and their friends back in England that are inserted into the text. By comparison, Bradford is the model of clarity and simplicity. I'm dwelling on the language point because I think this is the sort of thing that probably turns off the casual reader with an interest in the earliest era of colonial times. There are many easier ways to learn about the Pilgrims, but there is obviously a certain authenticity to reading a primary source, even if it can be difficult going at times.

The other main issue with reading a source like this is its limitation. Bradford was hardly the only source of information, and what he presents can be choppy at times, dry at others. He spends little time on exciting matters such as the Pequot war, one of the earliest confrontations with Indian tribes, but writes extensively on finance issues with traders and suppliers. As most of the material is a year-by-year account of brief highlights, there's a fair amount missing that would make for a clearer story. The best sections, to my way of thinking, were the earlier ones covering the time up to the Mayflower voyage. There Bradford takes the time to really write about their lives and their thoughts as they leave England for the Netherlands and how they got along there.

Despite the difficulties, there is much insight to be gained here. Puritans are not the easiest group of people for modern readers to understand. Countless times Bradford casually would say something like "But in that year it pleased God that (insert terrible calamity here)" Whether it was illness, some natural disaster, or whatever, it seemed to be accepted as just God's will and nothing to get upset about. Whether this represented their actual reaction at the time or only Bradford's official note of it is unclear. What is clear is that Of Plymouth Plantation is of more use for history than for ethical philosophy. The Puritans remain a very odd people with some very odd and occasionally horrifying standards. Certain acts, for example, done with barnyard animals would result in execution for the perpetrator. The same acts done to an eight-year-old girl warranted only a fine and a whipping. The flip side of Puritan character, of course, is that these were really strong willed people. They stuck it out even with a death rate of more than half their population succumbing in the earliest years. It is clear not only from Bradford but the letters of other participants that they considered the life they chose, however difficult, to be the one that they were going to see through come what may. This, perhaps, is the most memorable feature of their story.

Summary: Great!
Excellent book! I read this in combination with the Governer William Bradford's Letter Book and Mourts Relations and Good Newes from New England by Edward Winslow. I am really glad that I have done it this way, because there is further information in the Good Newes from New England that fills in the gaps of certain events.
This is William Bradford's point of view, and the information in it is amazing. If you are into history, then it doesn't get any better than this. Its not very often that you have the opportunity to see events through someone elses eyes, and this does it.

Summary: Was not what I expected
I was suprised at how gossipy William Bradford was. He told tales about his neighbors and friends and described how the pilgrims constantly bickered with traders and their benefactors over money. My whole fantasy about what I thought the Pilgrims were like has completely changed. Now I consider them petty, self-righteous gossip mongers. The book was good for general information about preparation for their trip and what they actually did when they got here, but as far as historical fact goes, I was unimpressed. Bradford discusses people who stray from the flock, "outsiders" who get girls pregnant, drunkards, and preachers who were not to his liking. It was more like a "dish" session n the Jenny Jones show than something I would be proud to uphold as historical fact to the rest of the nation.

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	The Landing of the Pilgrims (Landmark Books) Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers Authors: James Daugherty
ISBN: 0394846974 List Price: $5.99 Amazon Price: $5.99 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 1 Reviews: Summary: Same old same old Yeah, another book of the same-old-same old. Americans, particularly white people, just love to find ways to romanticize what amounts to an imperialist project on the part of the Puritans. And I'd like to remind a previous reviewer that A: there was another war, the Pequot War, which saw the massacre of old folks and women and children at Mystic in 1637. B: the "God-fearing" Puritans, following the King Philip's War, proudly displayed Phillip's (Metacom) head on a stave at the entrance to Plymouth. Anne Hutchison, Thomas Morton, and Roger Williams could all attest to the complete intolerance of these sexually repressed people, who, as Bradford's history shows, were worried about fending off "buggery" because of their hang-ups. Summary: Landing of the Pilgrims A Response to The Landing of the Pilgrims Landing of the Pilgrims, is a book about the first settlers in the New World and their journey across the ocean in hope of religious freedom. It also tells the story of their good times, troubles, and hardships. The author, James Daugherty, vividly tells their story by giving evidence of truth through real documents and their journals. In my opinion, there is no better way to learn about them. This historical fiction book opens up in 1607 with the main character, William Bradford, as a boy, and goes through his life to the death. The reader learns of Bradford's fellow believers and their journey to Holland, life there, and their long pilgrimage across the great Atlantic, to America. The reader is also shown the hard work and effort put in by these people so that we can have what we do today. I think this is a good, well-written book that conveys the elementary message of the reasons and purposes the Pilgrims had in coming to "New England". Daugherty makes the reader feel as if he were in Virginia over 350 years ago sharing the new knowledge and new experiences with Bradford and the early settlers. He does a great job constructing sentences and he really describes things very well. I think Daugherty did a good job with the details as well. He answered almost all the questions a reader could ask and he could answer about life of the early settlers. But I think he probably could have included more about what the pilgrims did for leisure and play. At one time he mentions that they worked six days a week and they worshipped most all of Sunday with just a little time for play. Perhaps they didn't do anything for fun during the week? If the latter is not the case than I wish he would have been more detailed in that area. One thing that I learned about was the charter companies and their contracts with the new settlers. The company provided them with goods and transportation and in return the Pilgrims would send them furs, fish, and other new products of America. The company worked like the modern day stock market. Overall it was a good book and very enjoyable. Considering it's length and content I would recommend the book to 5th graders. It could also be a good tool for learning how to write well-constructed sentences. I hope Daugherty has written other books like this one (only at a higher reading level). If so I will definitely read more of his work! Summary: The best biography of the Pilgrims currently available! This very factual recounting of the saga of the Pilgrims is taken largely from William Bradford's personal diary, 'Of Plimoth Plantation' and is a fast paced, and insightful look into the lives of the Pilgrims and the price they paid for religious freedom. It also accounts accurately the peaceable and friendly relations they maintained with the Indians of that region, and their mutual treaty which lasted for nearly 50 years, until the time of King Phillip's War. The amicable relations which the Pilgrims maintained with King Massasoit and Squanto reveal the noble intentions of both parties. This is an essential part of American history and should be read by all students studying this period. Adults will enjoy this one too! Summary:

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Mitsubishi Eclipse, 1990-98 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual)

Publisher: Thomson Delmar Learning
Authors: Chilton

ISBN: 0801989574
List Price: $27.45
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 4
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Summary: Good stuff!
Much better than the Hayes repair manual that doesn't even show the 1995 trough 1998 models on the cover. Chilton has always been my favorite repair manual. It's a drag that they seem to be so hard to find these days at the local auto parts store. This manual covers everything from normal maintenance to engine overhaul and all that falls in between. A must-have for the do-it-yourself people at any level.

Summary: Works
Work fine, Lacks part numbers for replacement pieces and such, little odd to follow at places unless you really know your car.

Summary: idiot's guide to eclipse repair
This book is simple if you don't know a socket wrench from a regular wrench, but when you need details to make the repair you just did not need a professional mechanic later, chilton's lacks. usefullness.

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Plymouth Colony: Its History and People

Publisher: Ancestry.com
Authors: Eugene Aubrey Stratton

ISBN: 0916489183
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Just What I Was Looking For
There are hundreds of books out there about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving and all that goes with the subject. But the majority of these books are written either in a stodgy, encyclopedic (read: Boring!) format, or they are written for children. Well, now I have one that is actually written for adults, as well as in an easy to read manner. Written mainly from a genealogical stance, the author, Eugene Aubrey Stratton, did his "putting flesh on the bones" research; that is, he sought out how the pilgrims lived their daily lives in all aspects of their time and place. Instead of the cartoonish figures we all see come November, Mr. Stratton actually gives an authentic look to these early Americans. He makes the reader feel that they now know the pilgrims, not only through their historical prominence in our early history, but by name, and we feel their hardships, especially of their first winter here. After the first time reading this book, I re-read it, only this time I read the 'Biographical Sketches' section, located toward the back of the book, first, THEN I went to the beginning. My advice to the first time reader is to do the same. You will then know who you are reading about as names are mentioned.
This book is, simply put, the best of its kind. Maybe more genealogists should write our history books! At least they bring history to life!

Summary: An excellent history of the Plymouth settlers.
In doing research on my own ancestor who was a passanger on the Mayflower and one of the original Pilgrims, I have used over 50 books. This one is by far the best. Very readable, this book provides an excellent narative of many of the events of the first 70 years at Plymouth, and detailed descriptions of many of the Pilgrims. For anyone interested in this era, this book is a must.

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