Of Plymouth Plantation

By: William Bradford, Harold Paget

Narrated by: Matthew McAuliffe

The most important and influential source of information about the Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony, this landmark account was written between 1630 and 1647. It vividly documents the Pilgrims' adventures: their first stop in Holland, the harrowing transatlantic crossing aboard the Mayflower, the first harsh winter in the new colony, and the help from friendly Native Americans that saved their lives.

No one was better equipped to report on the affairs of the Plymouth community than William Bradford. Revered for his patience, wisdom, and courage, Bradford was elected to the office of governor in 1621, and he continued to serve in that position for more than three decades. His memoirs of the colony remained virtually unknown until the 19th century. Lost during the American Revolution, they were discovered years later in London and published after a protracted legal battle.

The current edition rendered into modern English and with an introduction by Harold Paget, remains among the most enjoyable books from 17th-century America.

©2018 Harold Paget (P)2018 Blackstone Publishing

Great Overview By First-Hand Witness

I enjoyed this edition of William Bradford’s compilation of events from Leyden through the New England colonies confederation. I didn’t realize that he didn’t include a lot of details where he knew others had already documented, and spent his words more focused where he himself could provide insight. A good historical primer for the period.

Wonderful book!

I listened to this account as part of my Thanksgiving this year. The introduction tying the Pilgrims to the Protestant Reformation and its game changing current of personal freedom, religious freedom, economic growth, political freedom, etc. was excellent. The Pilgrims suffered famine,hostile Native Americans, financial reversals, and traitors in their own ranks, but they never lost their dedication to building a new home or to their faith in God. Harold Paget did a wonderful job of updating the language while keeping the feel of the original.

Tough and resilient people

After listening to this book, I am absolutely convinced that no one alive today would have lasted one minute on the journey or on the plantation. Our ancestors were simply tough. Terrible living conditions, constant enemies (who broke a lot of treaties btw), and no medical treatment - it is a wonder that even one person survived.

The reading is what you’d expect from a historical diary. The reader’s voice was smooth and easy to listen to. The letters back and forth to England were actually quite funny. They had the same business dealings back then as now, with the same insults and threats. Some things never change.

This is as accurate as an account as you will get of the Mayflower journey and settlement into New England. No agenda, no re-creation. Just real history. This should be required reading in US public schools. And highly recommended for the rest of us.

The true spirit of America

When you read this book you feel the Holy Spirit testifying of the truth and the goodness of these people. They did so many things just right. When you read books like Cool Hand Luke or The Grapes of Wrath you are invited, nay cajoled, into feeling sorry for people who can never get their lives in order and keep doing things that make it worse. When you read this, the opposite is true. They had more problems than most sad-sack fictional characters do and yet they kept faith in their God and they developed the wisdom and character to overcome all things and were left with joy and gratitude in the end. I wish more modern Americans would learn about the pilgrims and find joy in their religion and their legacy. I thank God for the grace that he gave them and pray that he will give me that grace as well. God Bless America and bring us down to a repentance that is worthy of him, and our ancestors.

Fascinating insight into earliest “Americans”

Just getting started with this book, but totally fascinated. After years of family tree research I recently discovered William Bradford to be my 9x great grandfather through his second wife Alice Ann (Carpenter) Southworth. It’s a very interesting tale of the origins of Europeans on this continent (and yes, it was very, very much about religion - so be prepared).