This year, 2020, marks the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower. That’s usually the beginning of the story. But the story begins in 1553 with Queen Mary’s cleansing of the church. No, it really begins several hundred years before that. This story encompasses the beginnings of the Church of England, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, and of course the Puritans. It is a history of oppression and intolerance.  This is a difficult book to read, quoting many early tracts and books. There is way too much information, too many sects with too many rules, too many preachers, too many people who died for their faith. It would be useful for scholars, but it is not for the casual reader.

eGalley review                                         Publication date 1.7.2020