Mayflower Lives

Pilgrims in a New World and the Early American Experience

By: Martyn Whittock

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

Leading into the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower, Martyn Whittock examines the lives of the "saints" (members of the Separatist Puritan congregations) and "strangers" (economic migrants) on the original ship. Collectively, these people would become known to history as "the Pilgrims".

The story of the Pilgrims has taken on a life of its own as one of our founding national myths - their escape from religious persecution, the dangerous transatlantic journey, that brutal first winter. Throughout the narrative, we meet characters already familiar to us through Thanksgiving folklore - Captain Jones, Myles Standish, and Tisquantum (Squanto) - as well as new ones.

There is Mary Chilton, the first woman to set foot on shore, and asylum seeker William Bradford. We meet fur trapper John Howland and little Mary More, who was brought as an indentured servant. Then there is Stephen Hopkins, who had already survived one shipwreck and was the only Mayflower passenger with any prior American experience. Decidedly un-Puritanical, he kept a tavern and was frequently chastised for allowing drinking on Sundays.

Epic and intimate, Mayflower Lives is a rich and rewarding audiobook that promises to enthrall anyone with an interest in early American history.

©2019 Martyn Whittock (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Surprisingly interesting

Excellent mix of biography and narrative history of New England, it reveals many aspects of colonial life that may not be thought about

Fascinating

I loved learning about some of my ancestors and this pivotal time in our nations complex history. The writer did a great job making it captivating!

Great book to read in November!

Great book to read/listen to around Thanksgiving. Even better if you live in MA

Learned A lot

I knew the story but not the details of each person. Fascinating book. The narrator was absolutely perfect for this book.

The Pilgrims In-Depth

As a descendant of Priscilla & I, I am naturally curious about the Pilgrims. It was interesting to hear a bit about the steamy side and a little disturbing to hear about the violent side. A good read.