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Cotton Mather Reader
An authoritative selection of the writings of one of the most important early American writers
“A brilliant collection that reveals the extraordinary range of Cotton Mather’s interests and contributions—by far the best introduction to the mind of the Puritan divine.”—Francis J. Bremer, author of Lay Empowerment and the Development of Puritanism
Cotton Mather (1663–1728) has a wide presence in American culture, and longtime scholarly interest in him is increasing as more of his previously unpublished writings are made available. This reader serves as an introduction to the man and to his huge body of published and unpublished works.
“A brilliant collection that reveals the extraordinary range of Cotton Mather’s interests and contributions—by far the best introduction to the mind of the Puritan divine.”—Francis J. Bremer, author of Lay Empowerment and the Development of Puritanism
Cotton Mather (1663–1728) has a wide presence in American culture, and longtime scholarly interest in him is increasing as more of his previously unpublished writings are made available. This reader serves as an introduction to the man and to his huge body of published and unpublished works.
428 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2022
About the author
Cotton Mather
526 books37 followersCotton Mather A.B. 1678 (Harvard College), A.M. 1681; honorary doctorate 1710 (University of Glasgow), was a socially and politically influential New England Puritan minister, prolific author, and pamphleteer. Cotton Mather was the son of influential minister Increase Mather. He is often remembered for his connection to the Salem witch trials.
Mather was named after his grandfathers, both paternal (Richard Mather) and maternal (John Cotton). He attended Boston Latin School, and graduated from Harvard in 1678, at only 16 years of age. After completing his post-graduate work, he joined his father as assistant Pastor of Boston's original North Church (not to be confused with the Anglican/Episcopal Old North Church). It was not until his father's death, in 1723, that Mather assumed full responsibilities as Pastor at the Church.
Author of more than 450 books and pamphlets, Cotton Mather's ubiquitous literary works made him one of the most influential religious leaders in America. Mather set the nation's "moral tone," and sounded the call for second and third generation Puritans, whose parents had left England for the New England colonies of North America to return to the theological roots of Puritanism.
Mather was named after his grandfathers, both paternal (Richard Mather) and maternal (John Cotton). He attended Boston Latin School, and graduated from Harvard in 1678, at only 16 years of age. After completing his post-graduate work, he joined his father as assistant Pastor of Boston's original North Church (not to be confused with the Anglican/Episcopal Old North Church). It was not until his father's death, in 1723, that Mather assumed full responsibilities as Pastor at the Church.
Author of more than 450 books and pamphlets, Cotton Mather's ubiquitous literary works made him one of the most influential religious leaders in America. Mather set the nation's "moral tone," and sounded the call for second and third generation Puritans, whose parents had left England for the New England colonies of North America to return to the theological roots of Puritanism.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 28, 2025
My review is not necessarily regarding my agreement with Cotton Mathers in the excerpts provided.
Rather, the gathering of excerpts combined with the provision of helpful summaries and background information at the start of each chapter was extremely helpful in getting a compelling picture of the life and work of this puritan.
As a historical resource introducing me to Cotton Mather, this was a splendid book.
Rather, the gathering of excerpts combined with the provision of helpful summaries and background information at the start of each chapter was extremely helpful in getting a compelling picture of the life and work of this puritan.
As a historical resource introducing me to Cotton Mather, this was a splendid book.
July 21, 2026
I did learn more about Cotton Mather and his work after reading this book. Thanks to the editors for putting some of his works together to learn more about him through his writings. However, I felt this book dragged, and proved more enjoyable by condensing the chosen Mather excerpts, while choosing more of them pertaining to the selected topics.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews