Of Plymouth Plantation

By: William Bradford, Harold Paget

Narrated by: Matthew McAuliffe

The most important and influential source of information about the Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony, this landmark account was written between 1630 and 1647. It vividly documents the Pilgrims' adventures: their first stop in Holland, the harrowing transatlantic crossing aboard the Mayflower, the first harsh winter in the new colony, and the help from friendly Native Americans that saved their lives.

No one was better equipped to report on the affairs of the Plymouth community than William Bradford. Revered for his patience, wisdom, and courage, Bradford was elected to the office of governor in 1621, and he continued to serve in that position for more than three decades. His memoirs of the colony remained virtually unknown until the 19th century. Lost during the American Revolution, they were discovered years later in London and published after a protracted legal battle.

The current edition rendered into modern English and with an introduction by Harold Paget, remains among the most enjoyable books from 17th-century America.

©2018 Harold Paget (P)2018 Blackstone Publishing

Great Overview By First-Hand Witness

I enjoyed this edition of William Bradford’s compilation of events from Leyden through the New England colonies confederation. I didn’t realize that he didn’t include a lot of details where he knew others had already documented, and spent his words more focused where he himself could provide insight. A good historical primer for the period.

The true spirit of America

When you read this book you feel the Holy Spirit testifying of the truth and the goodness of these people. They did so many things just right. When you read books like Cool Hand Luke or The Grapes of Wrath you are invited, nay cajoled, into feeling sorry for people who can never get their lives in order and keep doing things that make it worse. When you read this, the opposite is true. They had more problems than most sad-sack fictional characters do and yet they kept faith in their God and they developed the wisdom and character to overcome all things and were left with joy and gratitude in the end. I wish more modern Americans would learn about the pilgrims and find joy in their religion and their legacy. I thank God for the grace that he gave them and pray that he will give me that grace as well. God Bless America and bring us down to a repentance that is worthy of him, and our ancestors.

Solid story, trails into an accounts history

It’s obviously the historic document, and it goes into fantastic detail about the pre colony persecutions and the fortunes and mis fortunes they endured. As it gets to a comfortable period in history it turns into an accountants log of year-by-year accounts. Worth the read

Heady History not easily overcome

Since the narration frequently reads like a ships manifest. Although the tale is important I had hoped for something more personal and arresting...along the lines of The Diary of Samuel Peeps. Instead, it is somewhat ponderous and, frankly, dull. Hats off to the Brave Pilgrims but the rub is in the (incessant) details.

Plimouth Colony as it happened

The Aldens were my ggggrandparents x 9 & growing up near Boston & on Cape Cod, my parents would take me to Plymouth to see the replica plantation & Alden House in Duxbury, Pilgrim Spring & Corn Hill in Truro, 1st Encounter Beach, etc. along with relating some written & oral history
passed down in the family, some of which were listed here.

Hearing the story in Bradford’s words adds so much insight. The author has done a masterful job of translation to modern English…have read lots of primary documents & must admit, hearing it in modern English (without losing the cadence & flavor of the time) is a lot more engaging to my ear in 2023. What surprised me was the heavy emphasis on economics & their immensely greedy financial backers in England. Also how many bad eggs brought the colony close to failing.

Much more, but so happy I gave this a listen. Very surprised I found it hard to put down. Primary sources & context are the best way to understand history, & Bradford’s story gives you both.

I recommend Sarah Vowel’s ‘The Wordy Shipmates’, about Winthrop’s Mass Bay Colony & the tragic Pequod Wars (pretty much wiping the tribe out), told in her signature pithily humorous style, as a different perspective on many of these events.