New England Frontier: Puritans & Indians 1620-1675 by Alden T Vaughan

Book Review by Kristina Montellano

While first picking up this book, I had to admit that I was a little bit concerned at the length. Alden T. Vaughan, as a historian, writes full-length fact-based spiels that tend to be complex. I knew this was going to be a challenge in that we did not have ample time to read the book. I knew that I had to relate my self to the book or find some sort of interest in the book that I like. 

The book started off talking about how at first the Indians immigrated to New England and stirred up some controversy due to their appearances. Breaking the stereotype is the overview of the book, and how they went thru hardships doing so but persevered, was the outcome.

This was a type of book filled with certainty and reality of both sides of the spectrum. This is why I would call it a well-balanced book that covers the Indian & Puritan settlements. I think the title of the book is well stated in that it says New England Frontier—which is the common ground place for both parties. I think the title is very appropriate. This is a fact filled book that shows footing. The mood of the book is slightly dreary at first. Its climax portrays more of an epic feel, during the battles. I believe that the information arranged in the book was in chronological order, so that it did not jump around. The only thing that I would have to critique was that it was not really in story form. It was a lot of facts to take in, so the book was tedious to understand. The book went with starting out with an introduction and antecedents. These chapters covered the beginning of new settlements.

Then the book mentions the real Indians of New England. It sways to the Pilgrims precedents in 1620-1630. Then it drastically goes to the expansion of New England with many new traditions and ways of living. The new accustomed Indians were learning how to adapt. After, the book mentions the Pequot War, and how everyone was trying to settle a dispute. Puritan policies were the put into effect, following many laws and legislations. Soon after, missionary efforts came along, thus leading to the years of growth and harvest. The point that the author was trying to expand on was the life-styles and journey with the Puritans and Indians and how they immigrated and initiated new life. His point was just to explain both sides, equally.

One aspect that I enjoyed the most was that proved the “myths” wrong. The Indians were not necessarily mistreated, as well as the puritans pushing the Indians out of their land. Also the puritans did not kill off a lot the Indians in the war, just for a demolish of race. I enjoyed how the book related to each side. Race and class were the most important factors of the book. They mentioned how the death penalty was the same for everyone, and not put towards one specific race. That was the myth that caught my attention the most. Initially, when we think of “Puritans” we think pure, one-sided, striving for order, perfection, and discipline. This was not entirely the case. Yes, the Indians were looked at differently at first. I mean, they did just show up on the Archangel. The Puritans of New England were puzzled at first, but then they realized that they could both benefit from their arrival. Vaughan puts so much emphasis on all chapters of the book making sure that he covers the reality of the book. 

Vaughan makes sure that you are sitting right in front of the New England colony with the Indians. One thing that I found to be very helpful in the book was the photograph in the middle of the story. They displayed pictures of Squanto of the Wampanoag confederacy, as well as Massasoit. Also on display was the meeting place of the puritans and how they did their crafts. Basically, important people and their roles are portrayed. This was extremely intriguing in that I had a picture in my mind of what they looked like, and I wanted to see how closely they matched up. I was slightly off! I believe that the strengths of the book included that it portrayed the religious and political climax of 1620-1675, clearly. I understood why it was a turning point for many of the Indians, thus resulting in some success. Vaughan made sure that we at least understood that part of the book. Essentially, the book would get wordy at times. I felt that some parts (especially chapter 4) would give a lot of technical terms that I had never heard of, like the general court and the rise of the Pequot War.

I believe that the conclusion of the book goes more in depth than the beginning does. The sources in the book, like the bibliography and the epilogue was not too helpful because of its brevity, but I did refer to get a closer insight. I do feel that there was adequate information in the book. Vaughan covered the story in its entirety. The book compares to modern situations, indirectly, which is something that I took interest in. Modern Immigration and problems that come a long with it. Whether it be a breeze or strenuous. I related this topic with the Indians in New England. To be honest, I did not care for the book in that it was difficult to understand. After having read through thebook, I did take a liking into it. The book was not biased, however, written with

 expertise. I felt that the book was well thought out, even though a few chapters were over analytical on irrelevant topics. I found out a lot that I did not have any knowledge, prior to reading this.