One Small Candle: The Pilgrims' First Year in America

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Synopsis
One Small Candle focuses on the vivid, deeply moving drama of the Pilgrims' first year in the New World. The book begins in London as Pilgrim representatives sign a contract with Christopher Jones, the crusty captain of the old freighter Mayflower. We accompany them on their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic, and march with them over the barren, wintry landscape of Cape Cod in their desperate search for the homesite they eventually find at Plymouth. Howling Indians harass this reconnaissance party, while the weary women and children left aboard the Mayflower struggle against despair. Plymouth at last discovered, we watch "Saints" and "Strangers" forge a common solidarity in their struggle against brutal weather and epidemic disease. But the story is by no means entirely grim and solemn. Young explorers get lost in the woods and climb trees to escape "roaring lions." There is a comic duel for the hand of a headstrong fifteen-year-old. We are present at a bizarre visit to the great Indian chief, Massasoit. With masterly skill, Mr. Fleming gives us life-size portraits of the Pilgrim leaders. The Pilgrims' unique achievements--the Mayflower Compact, their tolerance for other faiths, the strict separation of church and state--are discussed in the context of the first year's anxieties and crises. Special attention is given to the younger men who emerged in this first year as the real leaders of the colony--William Bradford and Miles Standish. And new insights are provided into the deep humanity and tolerance of the Pilgrims' spiritual shepherd, Elder William Brewster. The book ends with the first Thanksgiving. Already in the Pilgrim mind there is a dawning consciousness that they are the forerunners of a great nation. It is implicit in William Bradford's words, "As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light kindled here has shone unto many...."
Copyright:
1964

Book Details

Book Quality:
Excellent
Book Size:
222 Pages
Publisher:
W. W. NORTON & COMPANY INC.
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Thomas J. Fleming
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
History, Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs, Outdoors and Nature
Submitted By:
Evan Reese
Proofread By:
Lissi
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

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