This book is not aneasy read; one, it was written over 370 years ago and language has changed, and two, it is a journal of events with from 1620 to 1650. But I am amazed at the diligence and endurance of our first settlers. Also, there can be no doubt, that many of this country's early settlers were unabashedly Christian and very evangelistically motivated. ( )

Bradford was among the 102 Separatists that landed in Plymouth in 1620. He was elected governor every year through 1647. I loved reading his first hand accounts of the Native Americans, the sicknesses, and the near-starvation like conditions. Bradford certainly had a Calvinist world view and that does creep in many times. However, I did not read the book to argue or debate theology. I think all Americans should read this truthful account of the "Pilgrims." There are some amusing parts (to me), such as the trial of a 16 year old who had sex with a donkey, horses, a turkey, a cow, etc. Sadly, this young man was found guilty and executed. (this part was not funny) I feel this is a very honest rendering of conditions in Plimouth from 1620-1647. ( )

Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford
Difficult book to read with broken English but enjoyed the story of how the group formed and headed to the Danes then off to US.
Another really good section was after landing who they came into contact with. Very political and religious back stories.
Lots of letters from those involved with decisions.
Passenger list on the Mayflower is included along with family tree listings.
Footnotes are listed at the very end of the book. What appears to be treaties between the Pilgrims and Indians are also included.
Appendixes and index are also included.
Other works associated with this one are also available. ( )

Bradford's writing can require a bit of slogging through, but it's worth it for a major classic of early colonial American literature and it's not of tedious length. If you're going to read it, use the Modern Library edition edited by Samuel Eliot Morison because it contains some excellent footnote annotations. ( )

Author William Bradford was the long time governor of the early 17th century Plymouth settlement, hence has invaluable information to share as to his experiences.

Those with only cursory knowledge of the Mayflower and its passengers may be surprised to learn there is a far greater story to be told than the (often complex) Indian relations and fanciful Thanksgiving celebration. A significant portion of the book concerns the settlers initial attempts to escape England to practice their separatist religious beliefs, first in Holland, and then later in America. More sobering (and sometimes tedious) was the author's discussion of the settlers relations with the merchant investors back in England- a constant struggle for funding and supplies (by the settlers) and profits (by the investors).

Because of its age, and perhaps the author's style, this is not an easy read. Nonetheless, it is an invaluable work of early English settlement in America and should not missed. ( )