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

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

501 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Richard Slotkin is an American cultural critic, historian, and novelist. He is Olin Professor of English and American Studies Emeritus at Wesleyan University, where he was instrumental in establishing the American Studies and Film Studies programs. His work explores the mythology of the American frontier and its influence on national identity. His trilogy—Regeneration Through Violence, Fatal Environment, and Gunfighter Nation—is widely regarded as a seminal analysis of the frontier myth in American culture. Slotkin has also written historical novels, including Abe: A Novel of the Young Lincoln and The Crater: A Novel of the Civil War. His contributions to scholarship and literature have earned him numerous accolades, including the Albert J. Beveridge Award and multiple National Book Award nominations.

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.