Puritanism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Bremer provides an outstanding primer on Puritanism. I liked how he traced not just the history of the movement but the history of interpreting the movement. This is an excellent gateway into further studies On the Puritans.

Good overview

Just what I expected: a concise history of Puritanism both in England and America. It is a nice introduction that provides enough information to pique the reader's interest for further study.

This is a nearly perfect little book on a subject most people are not just ignorant of, but upon which they often hold forth to the detriment of those they are insulting. Bremer gives an excellent overview of Puritan life & theology, as well as some of the positive influences they have had on contemporary English-speaking culture. It doesn't not claim to be an in-depth study of Puritanism, but it definitely gives the reader a thirst for more research and knowledge.

Clarifies some difficult issues.

Excellent, easily readable summary.

This 'Very Short Introduction' provides a nice and helpful overview of the politico-religous context in which puritanism developed, grew, and died (though the author also touches on the continuing contributions to American culture that it exercises from beyond the grave: such things as an emphasis on individual responsibility, a focus on education, and a commitment to self-governance). The book also provides a basic outline of the puritan life (both contextualizing events such as witch trials and undermining myths that puritans were 'puritantical': specificially in the areas of sex, fashion, leisure and drink). Basic puritan theology, day-to-day life, and community life are detailed. The book provides a useful foundation to further study of the puritans or can be enjoyed in its own right as a brief excursion into this aspect of Anglo-American history and culture.

From page 24, "forcing the king to surrender in 1646." From page 25, "following the king's surrender in 1645." And there you have it on this book. In sum it's a somewhat detailed sketch of the history of the subject and not much else - and clearly not error free. Perspective, proportion, the why and how - the heart - of Puritans and Puritanism is missing. Lacking these, the book reduces to an extended schoolboy's exercise. Examples: arminianism and antinomianism - what are they? The Puritan ethic - what's that? This book mentions but does not tell, especially of the significance of these. Is the book worth a look, even a quick read? Maybe - sure. Worth buying? No. If you want to know a lot about the subject, this book won't do at all. And if you want to know a little, it won't do for that either. Find other books, they're out there. (I like "The Puritan Dilemma: The Story of John Winthrop" (Library of American Biography) by Edmund S. Morgan. But on this subject, reader owes it to him- or herself to make their own survey and choices.)

I came to this book wanting an account free from the stereotypes of puritanism. My own childhood was significantly shaped by the final echoes of puritan thinking and I wanted to understand it more; to get away from the image of prudish, repressed, prohibitionist busy-bodies and people whose greatest fear was that "someone, somewhere might be happy."Bremner gives a clear account of the origins of puritanism, what he calls 'the reformation of the Reformation'. He explains the thinking, the historical context and the core beliefs. There are excellent chapters on the puritan's concept of God and what that God required of him. There is a chapter on the puritan way of life too, which holds many pleasant surprises: that they enjoyed a glass of wine, didn't dress in black and (shock) also enjoyed sex. Here is a pattern of belief and thought that hugely influenced this country and was a significant part of the founding of a new country - America.If there is an issue (four stars, not five) it is that he perhaps spends a little too much time in the early Untied States rather than here at home. There is little of Milton or John Bunyan - the puritan who wrote the most influential and published puritan book in English history. I would like to have seen a link made with the later evangelical movement, now so influential and global, and also the founding of the Brethren movement in Victorian times. Both of these were fundamentally puritan in their origins.This small comment aside, I whole-heartedly commend this book. It joins the ranks of a fine series of 'Short Introduction' books and is worthy of the heritage. Puritanism is an underestimated and misunderstood part of our national heritage. Please read the book to discover more.

The Very Short Introductions are a major educational resource. There are presently over 500 small books covering a very wide range of subjects. Although short, the Introductions are substantial in content. Everyone would benefit from reading these books to broaden their knowledge and understanding in diverse areas of life. Perseverance with some subjects may be required but be prepared to be surprised, enlightened and enriched.

If you are interested in the impact of the Puritans on the histories of Britain and America this slim volume is a good introduction. It doesn't get into stereotypes, and it looks at the Puritans as who they were and as to what they believed.

Bought for daughter who is studying history