76 pages • 2 hours read
Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647
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Book Brief
428
Book • Nonfiction
Plymouth, Massachusetts • 17th century
1651
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647 by William Bradford is a firsthand account written as a journal, detailing the events leading to the Mayflower voyage and the first twenty-five years of Plymouth Colony. Bradford narrates the Pilgrims' struggle with religious persecution in England, their relocation to the Netherlands, and their eventual settlement in America, highlighting their hardships, survival, and interactions with Native Americans and other settlers until 1646. The book includes discussions of disease, famine, and conflicts with Native Americans.
Informative
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,274 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647 by William Bradford offers a detailed, firsthand account of the Pilgrims' journey and settlement in America. Critics appreciate its historical authenticity and vivid descriptions. However, some find the prose challenging and the narrative occasionally biased. Overall, it's a valuable resource for understanding early American history.
Who Should Read Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647?
Readers who enjoy detailed historical accounts and primary sources documenting early American history will appreciate Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647 by William Bradford. Similar to readers of Common Sense by Thomas Paine or A History of the American People by Paul Johnson, they seek in-depth narratives of foundational events and personal experiences from the past.
3,274 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Isaac Allerton
Isaac Allerton
A Pilgrim who serves as Bradford's assistant and makes frequent trips to England for business, but ultimately causes trouble with his financial mismanagement and personal profit-seeking.
Thomas Weston
Thomas Weston
An English merchant who helps finance the Pilgrims' voyage but later exploits them for profit, creating continued troubles for the settlers.
James Sherley
James Sherley
An English businessman involved in the Pilgrims' financial affairs, who becomes entangled in questionable deals, raising doubts about his reliability.
Squanto
Squanto
A member of the Patuxet Tribe who aids the Pilgrims by serving as an interpreter and teaching them critical agricultural techniques.
Myles Standish
Myles Standish
A military leader and Mayflower passenger, Standish is tasked with leading military operations and exploratory expeditions and becomes a prominent figure in the colony's defense.
John Robinson
John Robinson
The minister of the Pilgrim congregation in Leyden, Robinson provides spiritual guidance to the settlers, though never making the journey to America himself.
Edward Winslow
Edward Winslow
A leader of the Pilgrim community, Winslow plays significant roles in diplomatic and financial endeavors, including voyages between England and Plymouth.
Robert Cushman
Robert Cushman
An agent for the Pilgrims who engages in initial negotiations with investors and plays an important role despite some missteps in securing terms.
John Carver
John Carver
One of the organizers of the Pilgrims' voyage and the first governor of Plymouth Colony, who plays an integral role in the initial settlement phase.
Thomas Morton
Thomas Morton
A settler at a nearby colony who becomes a source of conflict for the Pilgrims due to his unorthodox practices and interactions with Native Americans.
John Lyford
John Lyford
A minister sent to Plymouth who conspires to form a new church, leading to tensions and ultimately being expelled from the colony.
Edward Ashley
Edward Ashley
A trader with business interests near Plymouth, whose interactions with the Pilgrims involve contentious business dealings.
Massasoit
Massasoit
The chief Sachem of the Pokanoket, who establishes a critical alliance with the Pilgrims through communication facilitated by Squanto.
Uncas
Uncas
A Sachem of the Monhigg Tribe known for his friendly relations with nearby English colonies, playing a key role in the region's political landscape.
428
Book • Nonfiction
Plymouth, Massachusetts • 17th century
1651
Adult
16+ years
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