The preeminent figure of early New England; John Winthrop was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. More than anyone else; he shaped the culture of New England and his effort to create a Puritan "City on a Hill" has had a lasting effect on American values. In John Winthrop; Francis J. Bremer draws on over a decade of research in England; Ireland; and the United States to offer a superb biography of Winthrop; one rooted in a detailed understanding of his first forty years in England. Indeed; Bremer provides an extensive; path-breaking treatment of Winthrop's family background; youthful development; and English career. His dissatisfaction with the decline of the "godly kingdom of the Stour Valley" in which he had been raised led him on his errand to rebuild such a society in a New England. In America; Winthrop would use the skills he had developed in England as he struggled with challenges from Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson; among others; and defended the colony from English interference. We also see the personal side of Winthrop--the doubts and concerns of the spiritual pilgrim; his everyday labors and pleasures; his feelings for family and friends. And Bremer also sheds much light on important historical moments in England and America; such as the Reformation and the rise of Puritanism; the rise of the middling class; the colonization movement; and colonial relations with Native Americans. Incorporating previously unexplored archival materials from both sides of the Atlantic; here is the definitive portrait of one of the giants of our history.
#258005 in Books Michael D Coogan 2001-06-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.90 x 1.60 x 8.80l; 1.58 #File Name: 0195139372508 pagesThe Oxford History of the Biblical World
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A balanced and realistic perspective on the world that produced the BibleBy Robert HayesLike last summer when I read through THE OXFORD HISTORY OF ISLAM; this time I read through THE OXFORD HISTORY OF THE BIBLICAL WORLD. While I wasn't familiar with most of the material in the former; I was at least nominally familiar with a lot of the material presented in this volume. And as a consequence; I was able to absorb (and finish) it a lot quicker. It consists of 12 scholarly essays on the different historical periods from prehistory up to a few hundred years after the Roman Empire split. The earlier chapters were a little less interesting to me; insofar as they had to rely a lot more heavily on the archaeological record (read: a lot of pottery); but the reconstruction of pre-Israelite history was still eye-opening. I wasn't really looking to confirm any biases regarding the Bible's historicity; but it was helpful to see where it diverged and (quite surprisingly; at points) where they coincide. Though this may not occur to the average Bible reader; the people who wrote/compiled the Bible weren't primarily interested in historical accuracy as seen through modern eyes and methods; instead writing with a more theological purpose. Even with that in mind; you still learn a lot about where Judaism and Christianity came from and how they adapted and set themselves apart from the multiplicity of religious traditions surrounding them. In between; there was a lot of war; moving populations; and exchanging of ideas. The Biblical literalist will probably find a lot of what they read here hard to swallow; but I have a feeling that most open-minded people would (and should) give it a shot. There certainly is a lot to digest here; but it's definitely worth your time.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Book ReviewBy Jennie MartinA must-have for every biblical student's library. I have spent HOURS just perusing this volume that covers thousands of related subjects. My #3 fave reference book behind Strongs Brown Driver Briggs0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Best history companion to the Bible Objective thorough provided many insights I have never found beforeBy James MillerOh I thought Doug at the above was the review it's a great work you cannot go wrong Will it Oxford
