Customer Reviews

Of Plymouth Plantation (Dover Books on Americana)

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I purchased this book to learn more about the first settlements of New England.
Bradford's narrative is a testament to the hardship and perserverance these newcomers faced as they overcame great adversity to eventually become a beacon of hope to a new generation of future Englishmen and women. I recommend everyone read and not forget the sacrifices made by these brave, yet resolute Pioneers of colonial America.

William Bradford was the start of our family in the country. I enjoyed reading his story in his own words. He was the reason for the family saying `Lord help me be right for though knowest that I am hard to turn'. It should be part of all history classes.

William Bradford is my direct ancestor and therefore I was raised knowing some things about him and the Pilgrims who traveled here on the Mayflower. Yet it wasn't until many years later that I read his own account "Of Plymouth Plantation" which was written during the years 1620 - 1642. The sense of adventure and human drama found in this book are very gripping despite the often florid style of language used at the time. Once can't help get caught up in these people's struggles and imagine how difficult it must have been for them in so many ways before during and after their treacherous 2 1/2 month sea voyage. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in history as it was written concurrent with what was happening and by someone who was instrumental in creating this history. One does not have to be directly descended from the Pilgrims to find this story compelling. Also look up Cotton Mather's biography of William Bradford written in 1702 and "William Bradford: Plymouth's Faithful Pilgrim" by Gary D. Schmidt.

Gov. Bradford wrote the story of the Pilgrims as a journal for his family, to be passed down through the generations. (It's own history of how it got out of the family, was lost for many decades, where it was found and how restored to Plymouth is a fascinating story in itself.)
Bradford was one of my 7th great-great grandfathers, Elder Wm. Brewster, my 8th g-g grandfather, John & Priscilla another set of 7th g-g grandparents, (one of their daughters (in my line) married Alexander Standish, son Capt. Myles, etc...So I have been familiar with their story all my life.
I am intent on seeing that each member of my family have a copy of this book - my most treasured volume I got on eBay for $5...when it came in the mail, I was astounded to find it is the 1898 edition!...titled; "Bradford's History."
Last year, The History Channel put out a new movie: "The Desperate Crossing" - Using Shakespearean actors, the scenery, photography, adventure - well, if you liked the movie Master and Commander, this story - finally the WHOLE story of that intrepid band who sailed on the Mayflower - is every bit as spectacular. I have waited all my life for such a true and complete movie of the Pilgrims of Plymouth.
It's available in DVD here at Amazon. I just bought 3 more...to give to my children and their kids for Thanksgiving...and it will be shown here after our VERY traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
We all benefit from the sacrifices and perseverance of the Pilgrims. Surely, Governor Bradford's hope, expressed in his Journal, came to pass in a greater manner than even he could have envisioned when he wrote, at the end: "Thus out of small beginnings ... AS ONE SMALL CANDLE MAY LIGHT A THOUSAND, S0 THE LIGHT HERE KINDLED HATH SHONE UNTO MANY, yea in some sort to our whole nation;"

The Pilgrims have been slandered up one side and down the other. Here you find the eyewitness account of their leader, William Bradford. This book gives real insights into how our forefathers thought, what they valued, and why they risked their lives to settle this wilderness. It was for the glory of God and Christ's Kingdom.

After reading Of Plymoth Plantation, I am wondering where anyone came up with the idea that this country is not founded upon Christian principles. Every American student should read this book. There is a lot of our history that we do not know. How thankful we should be to live in this country!!

The book binding is in the opposite direction of the pages!! I'm trying not to let it detract from the content of the book.

Am replacing a missing family heirloom. Glad to be able to find the book in print.

Thank you very much for the fast service. I gave this book to my brother for a 4th of July present...:):)

We were very pleased with our books. They were for christmas.And we recieved them in plenty of time. Im sure we will do business with Amazon again. Thank you so much..And Happy New Year.