The Puritans: A Sourcebook of Their Writings

This is an unbeatable collection of original source material for Puritan studies. It's available now only as a digital book, but for something of this heft, I prefer hard copies so I bought it used.

Considering the only other review for this book currently available, I felt compelled to write a review that is actually about the book, not the subject of the book. A Harvard professor deserves at least that. Perry Miller's classic introduction to the New England Puritans remains an essential text for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of a much maligned and often misunderstood religious movement. An understanding of the New England Puritans is absolutely essential to an understanding of American History and American society. Miller does not espouse the doctrines of Puritanism; he provides a concise and helpful historical background and then guides the reader through some representative samples of their writing. This is not a book designed to convert someone to Puritanism. A sidenote: The Puritans referred to in this book have not existed for centuries, so I assure you no reviewer of this book actually left the Puritanism described in this book.

The Harper Torch Books of a generation ago have a few noteworthy titles, and this two volume set is one of them.

This book in digital version could be a great resource to scholars but it does not have the page numbering to accompany a print edition, so it cannot be cited. Please add page numbering consistent with print edition, so it can be a useable resource. Then I will re-purchase.

English, and American history make for very interesting reading. Not only are there great people, but also great ideas to explore.

I would certainly disagree with Mr. Richard's assessment that the Puritanism of this book no longer exists today. The very reason why Puritan literature and its history is so prevalent today is because so many Christians are reading and following the writings of the Puritans of three centuries ago. That is just not a proper assessment of "modern puritanism". Yes, much has changed in three hundred years, but not the faith of the Believers who are Reformed in their theology and life. And yes, the Puritans in this book have been dead for a long time, but their writings and the Faith that they passed on is not dead but living strong today.