New English Canaan

New English Canaan, published in 1637, chronicles Thomas Morton's experiences in colonial New England and his conflicts with the Puritan settlers. Morton recounts his time establishing the trading post of Ma-re Mount (Merrymount) near present-day Quincy, Massachusetts in the 1620s. The book combines detailed observations of Native American life and customs with biting satire aimed at Morton's Puritan opponents. Morton documents the natural resources, geography, and indigenous peoples of New England across three distinct sections, while weaving in his personal narrative of clashes with Plymouth Colony. The text provides first-hand descriptions of early colonial power struggles and differing approaches to Native American relations in 17th century New England. Morton's accounts of local flora, fauna, and Native American practices contain valuable historical documentation of the period. This unconventional work serves as both a natural history and a pointed critique of Puritan governance and religious ideology. Through his blend of careful observation and satirical commentary, Morton presents an alternative vision of how English colonization in North America could have unfolded.

Most modern readers find New English Canaan difficult to approach due to its antiquated language and writing style. The reviews show limited engagement from general readers, with few public ratings available online. Readers appreciated: - First-hand descriptions of Native American life and customs - Critical perspective on Puritan settlements - Humor and satire in Morton's observations - Value as a historical document Common criticisms: - Dense, challenging 17th century prose - Disorganized structure - Biased viewpoint - Hard to find complete, readable editions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (13 ratings) No ratings available on Amazon Sample reader comment: "An interesting counterpoint to the typical Puritan narrative, but the archaic language makes it a slog" - Goodreads reviewer The book has limited reviews online, with most feedback coming from academic sources rather than general readers. Those who rated it tend to be history students or scholars studying early American literature.

Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford A firsthand account of colonial New England from the Puritan perspective provides contrasting views to Morton's observations of the same time and place.

Good News from New England by Edward Winslow The text details early colonial interactions with Native Americans and settlement life in New England during the 1620s.

A Key into the Language of America by Roger Williams This documentation of Native American languages, customs, and colonial relations presents alternative views of Indigenous peoples in colonial New England.

A Description of New England by John Smith The explorer's account of New England's landscape, resources, and native inhabitants provides context for Morton's later observations of the same region.

Wonder-Working Providence of Sions Saviour in New England by Edward Johnson This chronicle of Massachusetts Bay Colony's founding and development offers parallel accounts of colonial life during Morton's era.

📚 Thomas Morton scandalized the Puritans by erecting an 80-foot Maypole at his settlement of Merrymount, where he hosted festivities with both English settlers and Native Americans, leading to his arrest in 1628. 🖋️ The book, published in 1637, is one of the earliest detailed accounts of Native American life in New England, including descriptions of their customs, language, and social practices. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Morton's settlement promoted a more tolerant approach to Native Americans and rejected Puritan authority, which led to him being exiled from New England three separate times. 📖 The work is divided into three books: one describing the natural environment, another about Native Americans, and a third critiquing and satirizing Puritan society. 🗣️ Morton coined several place names that are still used today, including "Mare Mount" (now Quincy, Massachusetts) and "Massachusetts," which he claimed meant "people living near the great hills."