Mayflower: A History From Beginning to End

by Hourly History

The story of the Mayflower is one of adventure, courage, and destiny. The Mayflower was the ship that launched a nation. She left from England in September of 1620, carrying 102 English Separatists to a new life, one that came with the freedom to practice their religious beliefs as they saw fit. These Pilgrims had the courage of their convictions. They had already potentially faced execution for practicing their beliefs and now they were willing to uproot their lives, their families, and their homes, to sign contracts of indentured servitude for them and their children - all to find what they called freedom in a foreign land. Inside you will read about... ✓ How Religious Upheaval Shaped American Colonization ✓ The Ship that Launched a Nation’s Future ✓ The Contract and the Crossing ✓ Arrival in America ✓ Early Life in the Colonies ✓ Pilgrims and Puritans ✓ The Ideology that Shaped a Nation Their journey was one of courage and destiny as they forged ahead, crossing an ocean to settle in a harsh environment. They faced storms and dangerous adversaries to get to the New World. There, they built a life based on the values they held sacred, and those values would form the foundation of a new nation almost a century later. This eBook tells the story of their adventure in a concise yet thorough manner that is packed with historical detail and enjoyable to read.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical, Ebooks

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2016

About the author

At Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.

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Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strays from the topic and gets in trouble…

Hourly History does a decent job of explaining why the Europeans left to pursue religious freedom and sailed on the Mayflower and other vessels. The story gets sidetracked and off course when writers try to explain religious history - it’s so wrong I’d be writing for an hour to correct them. The assertions about Baptists, Mormons, Islam and most of the Catholic “thinking” should be completely ignored.

There’s a list of all the passengers on the original Mayflower crossing that’s interesting but the quotes at the beginning of each chapter are beyond my grasp. I was hoping for a quick and easy reference but got a transitional work that’s trying to cancel history reality📚

[Anirudh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short summary of the events surrounding the Dutch ship, The Mayflower, famous for carrying around 100 pilgrims from England to the New World on a very dangerous journey across the Atlantic.

The book started well, explaining the various conflicting views within Christianity, how the pilgrims differed in their views and their desire to remain English but be able to practice their religion without the threat of heresy. The book then talks about the Mayflower ship, the survivors of then journey, the establishment of the colony in the New World, the eventual conflict with the natives and touched upon the formation of the United States of America in the conclusion.

I felt the book had a right mix of focus on the various events, and to be honest, I had very little knowledge on the whole episode before reading this book. The book went step by step in a proper manner, explaining who are the pilgrims, why they demanded a separate state and what were their beliefs. The book then talked about the conditions in the ship and the eventual lifestyle in the New World. So, I felt this book was really good in its content and coverage and could easily help you understand the events surrounding The Mayflower voyage.

However, I felt that the title was a bit of a misnomer, the book focused very little on the actual voyage in itself and focused on the events before and after the voyage. Despite the fact that this journey is considered one of the most iconic moments in American history, I would have preferred it if there was a little more about the voyage in itself.

Based on what I have stated, I would award the book a rating of four on five.

[Fred Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND COURAGE

If you're looking to revisit the history of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims, Plymouth, or even the introduction of Thanksgiving as we were taught as kids in school, this book will be a little bit of an eye opener. I won't go into the differences of what I was taught in school and until reading this book thought I had a fairly good idea of the Mayflower, Pilgrims, Native Americans of the time, and Thanksgiving, but couldn't of been farther from being correct. If you enjoy reading real history and not the fluff we read as children in schools, you'll enjoy this short fact based account the true events and insight into the courageous and determined people who settled in Plymouth and formed the foundation of our country and who we are today.

[Star Gater · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the backs of

The author states the Mayflower is an adventure, courageous and destiny at what price? Once again in US History, others are used, enslaved and stolen from in the name of success.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being Australian, I was not brought up with much American history (As we have plenty of our own to learn!!) so I had little to no idea about the original colonists in the North Amrician continent.
What I did learn from this book, was the Mayflower and it's boat load of pilgrims were not the first colonists, but rather just another batch of English looking for a new life in the Americas. They were supposed to land in Virginia, but due to weather/navigation, landed in what became New England.
The book is titled Mayflower, and that is what it is about. I thought it was going to focus more on the colony, but rather, when the boat returned to England, there the story ends.

[Michele Amitrani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was completely ignorant about the story of the Mayflower and the Separatists it brought from Europe to the (then not yet) United States, but this short and easy to read book filled the hole.

This is a well written account of the journey of the Mayflower and of the years immediately following the establishment of the first colony of English people in New England.

The book made me want to read more about the story of the Pilgrims and the struggle they had to face and overcome in order to form the inception of what will then be a world superpower.

Suggested to history's aficionados and to people interested in the subject discussed.

[Dennis Mews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is one of a series of Hourly Histories and was a quick and easy read about the first colonists to arrive in America in 1620. Although it was well written, I was disappointed with the level of detail - I would have loved to know more about the individual people. Their names are listed, but little else about them is added. The pilgrims struggled to survive and many did not make it through the first harsh winter. These people became the basis for the establishment of the American nation.

Less than an hour's read left me wanting more. A few apposite illustrations would have helped to bring the material to life.

[F · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to reading this book since I first saw it but a bit of warning is warranted. The author(s) lump a lot of religious groups together calling them Christians when technically some are actually cults and/or "isms." Lumping both major groups of Catholicism with Mormonism and standard protestant groups is a little bit of wishful thinking. Historic Christianity is Bible based and some groups mentioned are not really Christian though they may be Christianlike or Christian-ish.

Another red flag on a lapse in scholarship is on page 5 where the book reads, "...the Reformation gave rise to numerous other forms of Christianity, including Baptist..." Uh... no. Baptists have never been Protestants. Baptists predated Protestants and the Reformation. Point in fact, Martin Luther persecuted Baptists for basically taking the same type stand he took that caused the Romanists to persecute him. Hopefully, the book is clear of any further glaring mistakes. I don't know if this was due to writer ignorance or writer bias.

Then it includes "Mormonism" as having arisen out of the Reformation which is patently false. Mormonism was devised by Joseph Smith, Jr. - in America in the 1800s [over a century after the Reformation and had nothing to do with it]. Let me mention, lest some think I am being unkind to Mormons, that the founder of Mormonism said all Christian denominations were "abominations" and he was supposedly advised by an angel that he should join none of them.

The last two chapters are a less history and more philosophical which begins with a quote by Cory Booker [Yes, THAT Cory Booker] which tells you which way this book is heading.

All in all, I was disappointed with this book- the apparent lack of scholarship, the treating of well established history as if it were questionable and the treatment of questionable accounts as if they were fact- all pointing to a left-leaning philosophical bent that isn't even needed in a book on a historical journey from long, long, ago. I do not say the author(s) intentionally did this- as it could be they don't even realize the bias they are displaying but nevertheless it clouds what should be an otherwise straightforward account.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the course of this book, the author discussed Puritans vs. Pilgrims. I'd like to go a step further.  The Puritans never really left the Church of England.  They were Separatists in the sense that they wanted to reform the Church of England and get rid of the Catholic Church rituals and statuary.  Because they remained within the bounds of the Church of England, they did not have to 'give up' their homes to move (to Holland, as the Pilgrims did) for religious freedom.
The Pilgrims, on the other hand, protested against the Catholic Church and the Church of England.  They moved to Holland because of their beliefs and were poorer people than the Puritans (who didn't need to move to a foreign land).  Thus, by the time the Pilgrims left Holland, they had no choice but to sign letters of servitude (for 7 years) in order to earn the fare to America.

No matter how we slice it, leaving the known world for new, untried land was certainly a test of fortitude and grit.  To move with so few resources was an act of bravery or ignorance, depending on your thoughts in hindsight.  To make such overwhelming changes in one's life over one's religion is a testament to their faith in what they were doing and the power of their faith in God.  When the reader thinks about it, how many of us would do what the Pilgrims did?  Not many, I suspect.

I thought this would be a nice review of the Mayflower story.  Instead, I found new things I didn't know (there were 27 ships called the Mayflower afloat at the time of 'our' Mayflower).  I was delighted to see the names of all those who traveled on the Mayflower.  Great reading.

[Jerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I had all the usual childhood diseases before there were vaccines, plus others, then as an adult have survived several severe illnesses and surgeries, including two cancers, radiation, etc., and hope to celebrate my 89th birthday in four months, I don't think I would have had the fortitude to attempt or survive the journey and settle in the New World. Originally a second ship accompanied the Mayflower on this journey. But it kept springing leaks. Those passengers had to transfer to the Mayflower and go home. It could not crowd all of them on board and 20 had to return to England. The journey and life here was so dangerous and brave. They were motivated and determined. All the difficulties and losses had taken a huge toll. Robert Cushman. who was one of those 20 who had to return, was later chosen to negotiate with The London Company to enable the settlers to live on property owned by that company. This included seven years of indentured servitude for every man, woman, and child and a payment at the end. They raised tobacco. Very interesting to me was this book explained the differences between the Pilgrims and the Puritans in their beliefs and practices.
The number of wars and devastation in the name of religion throughout history does not make any sense. Irreparable damage has been done to our Native Americans by the unjust acts of the new people residing in their land. Why can't humans respect the rights of others to practice their beliefs and worship God as they expect others to accept theirs!  

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful recap of Mayflower and Plymouth Plantation founding

If you are liking for a nice recap of the history you recall learning in school, but know you've forgotten so e if the details from, I recommend this. I enjoyed the writing style / presentation of facts - informative, interesting, never talked down to me... and appreciated the way context was given (Luther, and the Protestant Reformation, lest we forget why some were dealing with religious persecution)


Early on a deceptively simple question is posed :
What would cause people to uproot their lives, their families, and their homes, to leave the known with all the comfort that provides, in order to face untold dangers on a perilous journey to a strange land that may never yield what they are seeking? A better life,...

This booklet explores who took a chance on creating that better life, and how they went about it.

[Young Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The readers will learn more about the history of religious division before learning the core value and philosophy of the foundation of the United States of America, set by the Pilgrims of Mayflower.

The book also tells details about the famous ship Mayflower along with the difference between the terms of Pilgrims and Puritans.

This one’s the first Hourly History book with Bibliography I’ve ever read, making the book’s abundant information more reliable. Plus the author’s point is quite balanced.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about the 102 English people that braved the journey on the Mayflower Ship in September 1620, just before the cold hard winter hit.

These people left everything behind their families, friends, and homes. They packed a few belongings in a trunk for freedom in a foreign land to worship and live together as a group, not knowing what was ahead of them.

This is an outstanding review of true facts describing the ship, the journey and the perils of life after arriving on our soil in America. This is a fast interesting overview of our very beginnings.

[Terri's Dangerous When Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to imagine how difficult this crossing must have been considering the cramped quarters, the storms they encountered, no privacy, no bathroom facilities, food in short supply, no heat or air conditioning. And then to finally arrive at their destination in the wintertime and sickness was taking its toll, reducing the original 102 persons to 53. I have a better understanding now of the differences between Pilgrims and Puritans - I used to think they were interchangeable but now I understand they were two different groups.

[Joseph Allen Paine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written account

Not only does this story include the details of the early pilgrimage into the US mainland, but includes alternative accounts of the story of Thanksgiving. Many wish to believe the romanticism of the classical Thanksgiving summary, but it may not be the true or the only explanation. Times were desperate in the 1600s and it's logical to understand the measures that were taken in pursuit of freedom from an oppressive motherland and trespass into a new land that the Native Americans already resided for thousands of years.

[Ernest Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear consise

A bit dry in that it is what it is a historical narration of the facts as presented. That said some of those facts are quite fascinating and understanding the background to the reasons for the migration in the first place us important. Personally I like a good yarn with action and in this case it was not to be but the true historical facts were most of the time sufficient

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short book, but it did cover the the facts. It explained that the reason over a hundred people decided to leave Britain and go to the New World, was because of their religious beliefs. These people were pilgrims not puritans as is often assumed. It explains why out of the 102 who took this journey, only survived in the end. It goes on the describe the settlement of the group and how they may indeed, have made themselves part of the American part of the constitution.

[Bennjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, concise story of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims. Good short explanation about the difference between English Separatists and the Puritans who came later. Enjoyed the concise nature of it and the explanation of the effects of Europeans on native populations and way of life. One thing that we forget is that while they sought religious freedom, they were directly impacting and curtailing the freedom of the native

[Noel Mast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and edited book, with some interesting points which I had not read before. The history surrounding the arrival and hardships that the first white settlers to America has always fascinated me. A point which was highlighted by the author and which over the years has fascinated me was although they professed to follow the writings of the bible they still stole from the Indians. A worthwhile read.

[Clinton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A minimal history to be sure! I read this in a single session on Thanksgiving Day to commemorate the holiday. It recites only the basic facts and then includes a concluding chapter that repeats much of what was scarcely covered in the rest of the book. If you are not really interested in learning much about the Plymouth Colony, this is a good place to go. But any serious student should just go to Philbrick and not waste time with this.

[Erwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

What’s For Lunch?

Mayflower:A History from Beginning to End is not an academic work. I think it barely qualifies as an attempt. That said I will add that the Mayflower is such a strong beginning stone in what will become America that this book should not be ignored. Though the schorlaship is weak the story as the author states is one of courage and sacrifice. Perhaps this book will put a young reader on the trail of his/her country

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick history lesson

This book set the scene for the reason the Mayflower voyage was so important. Religious oppression of 2 different groups, who managed to coexist and eventually thrive, caused this group of people to become indentured servants to get financial backing for the trip. It was dangerous and probably terrifying but they did it. They had no intentions of setting up a new nation. One wonders what they would have thought about that.

[Michael Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to get a taste of what the people on the Mayflower faced.

This book gives the main reason that the Pilgrims left England for the new World. It also showed the hardships they faced on their arrival. It is a short book, so I plan on finding another book to get more of the details.

[Kristin Runyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and brief overview of the history leading up to the Mayflower's departure for America and continuing through to the establishment of the colony. It also briefly touches on the effects of the settlers on Native tribes. A great review for us as we studied this time period and event this year in school.

[Ed Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent Overview

A look from the Reformation through the Puritans - with the focus being the Pilgrims, the Mayflower and Plymouth. As with most of these books in the series, there’s a lot of top level picture painting but little opportunity to dig into detail. A good overview of the times and events.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not many in India are as conversant with the American history as they are with the British or European history. This books provides some fascinating insights into the early British settlements in the "New World". It also brings forth the finer points about the difference within the Christian world that led to the migration of people from England to settle across the Atlantic.

[Robin Quine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but fascinating read. A thorough explanation of religious struggles from the time of Henry VIII onwards leads into the story of the Pilgrim Father’s and their costly venture (in terms of lives lost) to establish a settlement in Cape Cod. There are many hints as to the significance of this venture for the events that led up to American Independence.

[Shamsher Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another inspiring tale.

This book takes the reader back into time, whooshing past 4 centuries, a time where the newly constituted sect of protestant Christians embarked upon the gruesome sojourn to American hinterlands, onboard the ship "Mayflower" and how this herculean step changed the ethno-political equation of the world !

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

This book gives the reader a fairly detailed account of the events that lead up to the Pilgrims risking everything to come to a new country so they could practice their religion without fear of reprisal. It was interesting and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about this group of people.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good informatic read for people who doesn't really know about the Mayflower (like me. German History sessions in school do not include them) even though I would have liked to read more about the actual voyage of the pilgrims.