Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
A classic selection of materials on Philip's War. For the newly established New England colonies, the war with the Indians of 1675-77 was a catastrophe that pushed the settlements perilously close to worldly ruin. Moreover, it seemed to call into question the religious mission and spiritual status of a group that considered itself a Chosen People, carrying out a divinely inspired "errand into the wilderness." Seven texts reprinted here reveal efforts of Puritan writers to make sense of King Philip's War. Largely unavailable since the 19th century, they represent the various divisions of Puritan society and literary forms typical of Puritan writing, from which emerged some of the most vital genres of American popular writing. Thoroughly annotated, the book contains a general introduction and introductions to each text.
Synopsis
For the newly established New England colonies, the war with the Indians of 1675-77 was a catastrophe that pushed the settlements perilously close to worldly ruin. Moreover, it seemed to call into question the religious mission and spiritual status of a group that considered itself a Chosen People, carrying out a divinely inspired "errand into the wilderness." Seven texts reprinted here reveal efforts of Puritan writers to make sense of King Philip's War. Largely unavailable since the 19th century, they represent the various divisions of Puritan society and literary forms typical of Puritan writing, from which emerged some of the most vital genres of American popular writing. Thoroughly annotated, the book contains a general introduction and introductions to each text.
Table of Contents
Increase Mather : Puritan mythologist -- A brief history of the warr with the indians in New-England / Increase Mather -- An earnest exhortation to the inhabitants of New-England / Increase Mather -- Benjamin Tompson : first American epic poet -- New England's crisis, or a brief narrative of New-England's lamentable estate / Benjamin Tompson -- Thomas Wheeler : the Christian hero -- A thankefull remembrance of God's mercy to several persons at Quabaug or Brookfield / Thomas Wheeler -- Samuel Nowell : prophet of preparedness -- Abraham in arms / Samuel Nowell -- Mary Rowlandson : Captive witness -- The sovereignty and goodness of God, together with the faithfulness of His promises displayed; being a narrative of the captivity and restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson / Mary Rowlandson -- Benjamin Church : King of the wild frontier -- Entertaining passages relating the Philip's war / Benjamin Church.