The American Puritans

In The American Puritans, Dustin Benge and Nate Pickowicz tell the story of the first hundred years of Reformed Protestantism in New England through the lives of nine key figures: William Bradford, John Winthrop, John Cotton, Thomas Hooker, Thomas Shepard, Anne Bradstreet, John Eliot, Samuel Willard, and Cotton Mather.

Here is sympathetic yet informed history, a book that corrects many myths and half-truths told about the American Puritans while inspiring a current generation of Christians to let their light shine before men.

224 pages

CONTENTS

Foreword
Timeline
Introduction: Who Are the American Puritans?
1. William Bradford
2. John Winthrop
3. John Cotton
4. Thomas Hooker
5. Thomas Shepard
6. Anne Bradstreet
7. John Eliot
8. Samuel Willard
9. Cotton Mather 

“The tale of nine American Puritans, each with distinctive personalities and backgrounds, is vividly portrayed with attention to fascinating details and is written with candor and care. There can be no doubt that their influence on the British colonies shaped the future direction of the United States. The tales sail through rough seas—the Salem ‘witch trials’ and the potentially legalist approach to assurance, to name but two. Dustin Benge and Nate Pickowicz, however, always have the measure of things, and this delightful book is fun to read and instructive to subsequently ponder over—a book to be enjoyed and savored. As they currently say in the land from which these Puritans came, this book is ‘a cracking good read.’” — Derek W. H. Thomas, senior minister of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina, and chancellor’s professor, Reformed Theological Seminary

“With clarity, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm, Dustin Benge and Nate Pickowicz introduce us to nine inspiring heralds of Christ. The Puritans are a hoard of treasure for all who want spiritual riches, and this book throws open some bulging but hidden caskets. Read and be enriched!” — Michael Reeves, president, Union School of Theology