The New English Canaan of Thomas Morton with Introductory Matter and Notes (eBook)

Thomas Morton (Autor)

Charles Francis Adams (Herausgeber)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
869 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654717200-0 (EAN)

Infos

In "The New English Canaan," Thomas Morton presents a fascinating examination of life in 17th-century New England, infused with a rich tapestry of personal narrative, satirical commentary, and anthropological insights. Written in a vivid and engaging literary style, Morton juxtaposes the Puritan ethos with the more libertine culture he espoused, painting a portrait of a diverse colonial landscape. The text is not merely a historical account but a critical reflection on the moral and social conventions of the time, touching upon themes of freedom, nature, and the intersection of cultures, thus positioning itself within the larger discourse of colonial literature and the early American experience. Thomas Morton, an English settler and trader, was known for his radical views and defiance of Puritan norms, having established the Merrymount colony which celebrated festivals contrary to the stern religious practices of his contemporaries. His experiences as an outsider in a rigidly stratified society supplied Morton's insights into the complexities of Puritanical America and the reverberations of colonial expansion. His perspective reflects an early questioning of societal norms and a yearning for a more liberated existence. Readers seeking a robust exploration of early American history through a critical lens will find "The New English Canaan" an invaluable resource. Morton's blend of firsthand experience and social critique not only enriches our understanding of colonial life but also invites contemporary reflections on the balance between liberty and conformity. This work serves as both a historical document and a compelling narrative, making it essential for scholars and enthusiasts of American literature and history alike.

Autor

Thomas Morton (c. 1579–1647) was an English lawyer, writer, and social reformer whose unconventional lifestyle and literature sparked controversy in the early American colonies. Known for his legal expertise and literary acuity, Morton's best-known work is the 'The New English Canaan,' a unique blend of ethnography, personal narrative, and biting satire that critiques the Puritan colonization of New England. Morton, with his liberal views and open embracement of Native American culture, posed as a direct antithesis to the Puritan ethos. His writings offer insightful observations of the Algonquian peoples and a rare counter-narrative to the predominant Puritan perspective in early colonial literature. In 'The New English Canaan,' Morton not only documents the abundant resources of the New World but also condemns the draconian measures of the Puritan settlers, which puts his work in a distinctively critical light compared to his contemporaries' publications. His literary style often employed humor and irony, which led him to both literary prominence and legal persecution. Morton's tenacious critique of Puritanism earned him notoriety, exile, and an enduring legacy in the tapestry of American literature, framing him as an early advocate for plurality and cultural discourse in colonial America. While historical scholars continue to analyze his work for its rich descriptions and pointed social commentary, Morton's 'The New English Canaan' remains a seminal work for understanding the complexities of early colonial relationships and ideological conflict (Adams, 1982; Dempsey, 2009).

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 15.8.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Neuzeit bis 1918
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Geschichte
• Schlagworte: 1600-1775 • 17th century • 17th-century history • 17th century new england • 17th century satire • alternative historical views • American colonial history • Anglo-Native American relations • Colonial America • Colonial American narratives • Colonial identity exploration • Colonial Period • Cultural Clash • cultural clash narrative • Description and travel • early American Literature • Early works to 1800 • English colonization • historical fiction • historical primary source • Historical primary sources • History • Indians of North America • Massachusetts • Merrymount colony • New England • new england history • new england settlements • New English Canaan text • non-Puritan perspective • prose and poetry blend • puritan community • Puritan critique • Puritans in America • satirical writing • Social commentary • subversive colonial commentary • Thomas Morton author • Travel