Saints and Strangers facts for kids
Saints and Strangers is a famous history book written by George F Willison. It was first published in 1945 by Reynal & Hitchcock in New York. This book tells the story of the Pilgrim Fathers and their journey to America.
The book's long title gives a good idea of what it covers. It talks about the lives of the Pilgrims and their families. It also includes their friends and even their enemies. The book explains how the Pilgrims are remembered today and the history of Plymouth Rock.
Contents
What is "Saints and Strangers" About?
This book is a detailed look at the early days of the Plymouth Colony. It focuses on the people who traveled to America on the ship called the Mayflower. These people are often called the Pilgrims. The book explores their lives, their challenges, and their hopes.
It also explains who the "saints" and "strangers" were. The "saints" were the Pilgrims who left England for religious freedom. The "strangers" were other people who joined the voyage for different reasons. They wanted a new life or new opportunities.
Who Were the Pilgrims?
The Pilgrims were a group of English people. They wanted to practice their religion in their own way. At that time, the official church in England was the Church of England. The Pilgrims felt they could not worship freely there.
So, they decided to leave England. They first moved to Holland for a while. But they still wanted a place where they could live and worship completely freely. That's why they decided to sail to the New World.
The Journey on the Mayflower
In 1620, the Pilgrims boarded a ship called the Mayflower. This was a very long and difficult journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The ship was crowded, and conditions were tough. Many people got sick during the voyage.
They faced storms and rough seas. It took them many weeks to cross the ocean. Finally, they reached the coast of what is now Massachusetts. This was a new and wild land.
Life in Plymouth Colony
When the Pilgrims arrived, it was winter. They had to build homes and find food in a harsh environment. Many people did not survive that first winter. It was a very challenging time for them.
However, they received help from the native Wampanoag people. A Native American named Squanto taught them how to grow crops. He also showed them how to hunt and fish in the new land. This help was very important for their survival.
The First Thanksgiving
After their first successful harvest, the Pilgrims held a feast. They invited the Wampanoag people to celebrate with them. This event is often called the First Thanksgiving. It was a time to give thanks for their survival and the food they had.
This celebration showed the early cooperation between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. It is an important part of American history. The book Saints and Strangers tells these stories in detail.
Why is This Book Important?
Saints and Strangers is a well-known book about American history. It helps readers understand the lives of the first European settlers. It shows their struggles, their beliefs, and their impact on the land.
The book includes an appendix. This section lists the names of many "saints and strangers." It provides details about the people who were part of this important historical event. This makes the book a valuable resource for learning about the Pilgrims.
A softback edition of the book was also published by Time-Life Books. You can often find these copies in used book stores. This shows how popular and lasting the book's story is.
