Review by Choice Review
Clearly written, cogently argued, and well researched, these ten essays enlarge the range of cultural history by comparative analysis of Puritanism in 17th century England and America. Religion, politics, and culture are the three areas on which the essays focus, and specific topics include defining Puritanism, tracing its manifold role in nonconformity and conflict, recounting the impact of Puritanism on major institutions such as church and state, explaining Puritan identity in contrast to the presence of "others" (national, religious, ethnic outsiders), and highlighting the interaction of Puritans and the interplay of forms of Puritanism locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The outcome of these essays is revisionist history at its best, whereby the Puritan movement, typically and traditionally marginalized and relegated to minor status, is perceived as a major catalyst for change and reform in England and America. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. A. C. Labriola Duquesne University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
