So Dreadfull a Judgment: Puritan Responses to King Philip's War, 1676–1677

by James K. Folsom (Editor), Richard Slotkin (Editor)

A classic selection of materials on Philip's War.

For the newly established New England colonies, the war with the Indians of 1675–77 was a catastrophe that pushed the settlements perilously close to worldly ruin. Moreover, it seemed to call into question the religious mission and spiritual status of a group that considered itself a Chosen People, carrying out a divinely inspired "errand into the wilderness." Seven texts reprinted here reveal efforts of Puritan writers to make sense of King Philip's War. Largely unavailable since the 19th century, they represent the various divisions of Puritan society and literary forms typical of Puritan writing, from which emerged some of the most vital genres of American popular writing. Thoroughly annotated, the book contains a general introduction and introductions to each text.

Genres: History

501 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 1999

Reviews

[Alexander Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is comprised of two parts. Primary it is a collection of primary sources from King Philip's War. The other part is a introduction that does a good job of outlining some of the major themes expressed in the sources. The intro alone is worth giving this book a look. Increase Mather sees King Philip's war as being caused by the sinfulness of the people and the war represents a sort of atoning sacrifice that will purify the community. Also important for him, is the fact that the second generation is not properly honoring the founding fathers of the first generation.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of interesting things to study in here -- however difficult it may be to drag yourself through it.