Review: The Pilgrims Re-examined
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 29, 2013
Many books and articles have been written about the so-called Pilgrims (actually Saints and Strangers, or religious and non-religious English settlers) who founded the Plymouth Colony in 1620. Kevin Jackson describes,in detail, the miseries of both passengers and crew during their hazardous winter Atlantic crossing on the Mayflower. But more important is his discussion of the biographies, character, and motivations of the colonists' leaders. While recognizing the concerns that this small group had for their survival in an alien land, he does not gloss over their reasons for killing natives, which could have been as much for  theological reasons as fear of being overrun. Nevertheless, Jackson makes a clear distinction between the Pilgrams and the Puritans who followed them in life style, clothing, and attitudes toward the natives  He gives the Pilgrims higher grades for behavior and morality than their followers. This book is historically correct and makes for a fast and interesting read.