Just cannot get into this book. ( )

This book tells the tale of the Pilgrims - their reasons for seeking a new home, their trip across the Atlantic, and their efforts to settle what was to become known as the Plymouth Colony in current day Massachusetts. The statics of their survival was very enlightening as well as the clarification of the Thanksgiving myth. ( )

Despite its title, the majority of this book was devoted to the history of the Plymouth settlers as opposed to the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The author concisely describes the religious differences that caused the settlers (separatists) to depart England, then the societal differences that caused them to leave Holland for "America." Well researched and readable, the author describes the earliest days of the colony- their initial struggle to gain a foothold, Indian relations, dealings with London investors and ultimately the later established colonies in Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut.

Personally, I found the author's final few chapters (devoted to the history of Thanksgiving) far less interesting.

Nonetheless, I recommend this book for anyone interested in early Colonial history. ( )

If there was ANYTHING you ever wanted to know about pre-Colonial North America, this is the book for you - and a goodly bit of the Politics of Western Europe as well! Climate change, annual rainfall, migration and speech patterns of the Native Americans... it's all here, and thoughtfully laid out and cited as well. Considering what was ~actually~ consumed at the First Thanksgiving, it's no wonder there was such a high death rate that Winter. I am quite impressed with the level of detail in the research that Mr. Hodgson did for this book, and his ability to tell a story.

I never have been a big fan of History as it is mainly about the exceptional people and giving you that "35,000 foot view". This book gives you that, AND the dirty laundry as well. There will be a few items within that are not pleasant to read if you're sensitive to the issue of 'cruelty to others'. Unfortunately, these events really did happen; fortunately it is documented in the book, but not to the point that the instances are dwelled upon.

I give high recommendations for A Great and Godly Adventure. Bits of it might be a tad tedious to read, but it's these background details that make you think. ( )

This was a quick and interesting read that delves into the origin of the Thanksgiving feast. While presenting the myths surrounding this national holiday, the author explains the real events of early Pilgrim settlement.

I found this well-written and well sourced. I recommend it to anyone interested in American History. ( )