Synopses & Reviews
This carefully researched and insightful account by Sibert medalist Marc Aronson focuses on the intertwined lives of John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Puritan Commonwealth in England. Set against a broad canvas of the turmoil that engulfed Britain in the 17th century, the book examines the clashes of the monarchy and the church with Parliament, which led these two powerful men to take opposite courses. Here is a panoramic view of the period, from elaborate masques to the trial of a heretic, from wars fought against Indians to dramatic battles led by cavalry, from the toppling of a king to the search for the ideal society.
Packed with literary allusions, vivid descriptions of significant events, and a cast of memorable figures, this sweeping account picks up where the highly acclaimed Sir Walter Ralegh leaves off, providing another riveting look at British and early American history. Cast of characters, maps, endnotes and bibliography, Internet resources, timeline, index.
Review
"...writing is clear and the documentation meticulous...an important study of the origins of America as a land of promise."
Review
"Aronson is masterly at illuminating the reality...that created fertile ground for ideas about democracy and equality." BOOKLIST
Review
"Aronson often utilizes expressions or situations with which readers will be familiar to help them place historical events in context."
Review
"Aronson keeps readers engaged with intriguing anecdotes and cogent analysis while making accessible connections between the past and present." HORNBOOK
Review
"a wealth of detailed historical information and unique analyses of philosophical issues...fascinating and provocative" SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Review
"panoramic view...accessible text... author's passion...comes across in his writing; excellent source for historical and biographical data" VOYA
Review
"...writing is clear and the documentation meticulous...an important study of the origins of America as a land of promise." Kirkus Reviews
"Aronson is masterly at illuminating the reality...that created fertile ground for ideas about democracy and equality." BOOKLIST Booklist, ALA
"Aronson often utilizes expressions or situations with which readers will be familiar to help them place historical events in context." Publishers Weekly
"Aronson keeps readers engaged with intriguing anecdotes and cogent analysis while making accessible connections between the past and present." HORNBOOK Horn Book
"Aronson delivers his arguments in the style of a demanding but entertaining teacher...flashes of humor...apt analogies...scrupulous references" Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"a wealth of detailed historical information and unique analyses of philosophical issues...fascinating and provocative" SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
School Library Journal
"panoramic view...accessible text... author's passion...comes across in his writing; excellent source for historical and biographical data" VOYA VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
About the Author
Marc Aronson is the award-winning author of a wide variety of nonfiction works for younger readers, including Sir Walter Ralegh and the Quest for El Dorado, which received the first Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award. He edits and publishes young adult fiction in a special arrangement with Candlewick and lives with his wife and two sons in Maplewood, New Jersey. For more information visit www.marcaronson.com.