John Winthrop, Oliver Cromwell, and the Land of Promise

by Marc Aronson

Looks at the political battles between the first Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop, and the Lord Protector of the Puritan Commonwealth, Oliver Cromwell, as their different positions put them at great odds during their reigns in the seventeenth century, enhanced with Internet resources, a timeline, and an index.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

205 pages, Hardcover

First published June 22, 2004

About the author

Aronson has won many awards for his books for young readers and has a doctorate in American history. His lectures cover educational topics such as mysteries and controversies in American history, teenagers and their reading, the literary passions of boys, and always leave audiences asking for more.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/marcar...

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro)]

This book explores the connections between two historical figures, John Winthrop and Oliver Cromwell, as both attempt to establish a new order in their respective lands, America and England.
John Winthrop based his new colony on the idea that God was guiding the Puritans' community to a righteous way of life. Oliver Cromwell believed that God was guiding his army to purge England of the old evil ways and establish a better government for the British people.

I was interested to hear such an in-depth account of the philosophy, theology, and popular ideas that molded these men into such influential figures who changed the course of history. It is rather heavy reading, but the writing is clear and concise. I liked that the author tells stories, anecdotes,and describes battles in an engaging way.
There are also some interesting portraits and pamphlet cartoons from that era.

[Linda]

Like many Americans, I've long known that England's King Charles I was executed in the 1600's. After reading Marc Aronson's account, recommended to me by my history-teacher son, I now understand why. As the title suggests, author Aronson has penned two parallel stories about two societies, one ancient and the other brand new, and their struggles to define the rights of man. John Winthrop and Oliver Cromwell were a pair of strong-principled, like-minded puritans who chose to act upon their convictions in two different ways. Aronson clearly delineates their successes and failures, and brilliantly demonstrates how these two pivotal political movements resulted, 150 years later, in the founding of the United States. While I personally disagree with the premise that the death of King Charles was necessary, I can see why those who thought it was acted the way they did.

This book is listed in the young adult genre, but it is anything but simplistic and suitable for adults as well, perhaps more so.

[Christy Gould]

The first half was really interesting, but I get bogged down in descriptions of wars/battles (the second half). I knew a lot of the people in this century, but without being able to connect the dots between them or place them in their proper context. This book helped. I’d like to add in his other books to our history studies.

Note: YA reading level; not shy about mentioning sex and sex-related material, but not graphic. My 7th grader read it.

[Steven Yoder]

A good history for young people of the Puritan movement of the 1600s.

[Barbara Radisavljevic]

The author examines Winthrop, first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and Oliver Cromwell, who governed England as Lord Protector of the Puritan Commonwealth in England, in the light of their striving to build nations that would obey God's rules. Both thought they were living in the last days and that Jesus would return soon. Both were disciplined men and strong leaders. And both learned, eventually, that since man is imperfect, he cannot create a perfect society. Both also learned to consider and support religious tolerance in their lands.

Against the backdrop of history in the Old World and the New, Aronson takes us behind the scenes to watch how both men handled the new variations of the Protestant faith that differed from their own Puritan views, and how they paved the way for the separation of church and state in America. It is hard to know what, if any, faith the author himself adheres to, since he's so good at getting into the minds and hearts of the leaders of all factions -- religious and political. He paints a picture of men and women who were sincere in disagreeing with each other about what it meant to be a good Christian, on the canvas of their cultures.

The author, who is looking back at 9/11 and the rise of radical Islam, sees some parallels between the 1600s and today, as our country sees another religion with a vision of holy war, and we see nations in the Middle East considering what role religion will play in their new governments. Aronson hints at a possible solution, but knows that the future is still an open book. Whether you agree with the author or not, you cannot help but become engaged with the people you will meet in this book. I read it in one afternoon and did not want to put it down. Through it's written about Puritans, it's not for prudes. and I would recommend it be read together by families or in classes where all listeners are at least of high school age, since topics that used to be considered adult are mentioned in a few places with reference to the wife of King Charles, Henrietta Maria. Most of these references are in the first chapter. There is much to discuss as you read this book, and it would fit well in studies of British or American history. As the author says, in the seventeenth century, those in England and America did not think of themselves as separate countries. They were very much connected.

[Danielle]

Actual rating: 0.5 stars

One day, I decided to research the American Puritans. I wanted to learn more about this group that had exerted so much influence over the US. When I found this book at my library, I did a little happy dance inside.

I cracked this book open, and was entranced by Aronson's spare yet detail-filled writing. Just when I was being swept away by a passage on Charles I, I came across the words "fire-breathing religious zealot."

I blinked. Surely I was mistaken.

I read it again. I wasn't.

Well, surely it was ironic, or tongue-in-cheek--

It wasn't.

Marc Aronson, a writer who calls himself a responsible historian, used the phrase "fire-breathing religious zealot" in a non-ironic way to describe a historical figure he supposedly researched.

I read on, hoping that was just a misstep on the author's part. Turns out Aronson commits the cardinal sin of any historian: He blindly takes sides, in this case Charles I. Any research done on the Puritans was strictly to make them look bad. He portrays them with all the depth and sensitivity usually reserved for SS officers. I fully expected Aronson to dedicate an entire chapter to Winthrop's usual breakfast of baked kittens.

DNF. Will not be reading anything more by this "historian" anytime soon.

[Martha]

A rarity in the YA book market-a non-fiction history book that is well researched and written. Marc Aronson is a very talented author who has written several acclaimed nooks in this format for YA's.
I thought this book was compelling and I appreciated the illustrations from the era rather than "modernized" illustrations.
An Anglophile myself, I never realized the connection between the religious upheaval in the New World and in the Old prior to Charles I being executed. Despite being called a "republic" Lord Protector of England Oliver Cromwell was nothing more-nor less-than a dictator.
This dual upheaval established a prelude to some of the most important discussions and decisions of the Founding Fathers. As a result, we have a United States Constitution and Bill of Rights that is the foundation of our much cherished freedoms. Very important history from both sides of "the Pond" and relevant study for YA's interested in early American history.

[Ellen King]

This is the first book I have read that shows the clear connections between the happenings in Europe and the beginnings of America for a young adult audience. It traces the threads of philosophy and belief, giving a clear picture of how we got where we did. It also grants a clearer understanding, and with it, compassion, for the judgments and choices made in the course of that time. It's about time someone wrote this. Great job, Mr. Aronson! Your attention to detail and research really shows. This family is grateful.

[Ange]

Written for young adults with lots of discussion of theology.

[Ruffin]

I have some questions about this book...