Originally published on May 6, 2020 (Episode 157)
Introduction
Most Americans think they know something about the Pilgrims, based on a dimly remembered high school textbook, or perhaps from a second-grade Thanksgiving pageant: that the men wore stovepipe hats with brass buckles, and carried blunderbusses; that they were the first settlers in America, had the first Thanksgiving, got on well with the Indians; that they were uniquely tolerant while others all around them were not; that they were the most important settlers of New England, or the most influential.
And just about all of these things are wrong.
With me to discuss the Pilgrims—their origins, beliefs, settlement, and their importance—is John Turner, author of the new book They Knew They Were Pilgrims: Plymouth Colony and the Contest for American Liberty, published by Yale University Press.
About the Guest
John G. Turner is Professor of Religious Studies at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. His books include The Mormon Jesus: The Place of Jesus Christ in Latter-Day Saint Thought, and the award-winning Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet. His work focuses on American religious history, new religious movements, and the intersections of religion and politics.
For Further Investigation
William Bradford, History of Plymouth Plantation
Edward Winslow, Goode News from New England
Listen & Discuss
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