What do you think?
Rate this book
In The Shadow of Men
How has it come to pass that when retelling the story of one of the most iconic events in early colonial American history, the women involved have almost disappeared into the shadow of men?
Of the one-hundred-and-two passengers aboard the Mayflower during its momentous voyage of 1620, eighteen were adult women and all were married. Out of these, only four would remain alive to witness the event that has come to be known as the first Thanksgiving the following year. Disturbingly, until very recently we knew almost nothing about the lives of these gutsy women before that fateful voyage: where they were born, or even their maiden names.
The focus of this work is, firstly, to throw light upon the lives and struggles of all English women of that era in general. Secondly, in this same work, to then concentrate on understanding the background of those aboard the Mayflower who were Separatists. By doing so, I hope to bring readers a better understanding of the circumstances under which these particular women each came to their own faith and the important role that they played in the Separatist movement as a whole.
"An important book that delves into the neglected study of the lives and contributions of the women who helped shape the Pilgrim congregation and the Plymouth colony.”
Dr. Francis J. Bremer, author of One Small Candle: The Plymouth Puritans and the Beginnings of English New England (2020)
Of the one-hundred-and-two passengers aboard the Mayflower during its momentous voyage of 1620, eighteen were adult women and all were married. Out of these, only four would remain alive to witness the event that has come to be known as the first Thanksgiving the following year. Disturbingly, until very recently we knew almost nothing about the lives of these gutsy women before that fateful voyage: where they were born, or even their maiden names.
The focus of this work is, firstly, to throw light upon the lives and struggles of all English women of that era in general. Secondly, in this same work, to then concentrate on understanding the background of those aboard the Mayflower who were Separatists. By doing so, I hope to bring readers a better understanding of the circumstances under which these particular women each came to their own faith and the important role that they played in the Separatist movement as a whole.
"An important book that delves into the neglected study of the lives and contributions of the women who helped shape the Pilgrim congregation and the Plymouth colony.”
Dr. Francis J. Bremer, author of One Small Candle: The Plymouth Puritans and the Beginnings of English New England (2020)
106 pages, Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 19, 2023
Each chapter looks in depth about what is known about one of various Pilgrim or Separatist women. Although for so many of them little is known, Allen has done a good job of digging up new records and information.
This is the best of her books that I've read, though I would differ from her ideology/theology of the roles of men and women, in the 17th century and today.
This is the best of her books that I've read, though I would differ from her ideology/theology of the roles of men and women, in the 17th century and today.
Displaying 1 of 1 review