The Wordy Shipmates Audiobook (Free)

New York Instances bestselling author Sarah Vowell explores the Puritans and their journey to America in The Wordy Shipmates. Even today, America views itself like a Puritan nation, but Vowell investigates what that means — and what it will mean. That which was this great political enterprise all about? Who were these people who are the philosophical, religious, and moral ancestors of our country? The people she discovers are extremely literate, deeply principled, and amazingly feisty. Their story about The Wordy Shipmates is filled up with pamphlet feuds, witty courtroom dramas, and bloody vengeance. Along the way she asks:

• Was Massachusetts Bay Colony governor John Winthrop a communitarian, a Christ-like Christian, or conformity’s tyrannical enforcer? Response: Yes!

• Was Rhode Island’s architect, Roger Williams, America’s founding freak or the daddy of the First Amendment? Same difference.

• That which was the Puritans’ pet name for the Pope? The Great Whore of Babylon.

Sarah Vowell’s special make of armchair background makes the bizarre and esoteric fascinatingly relevant and fun. She takes us from the modern-day reenactment of an Indian massacre to the Mohegan Sunlight gambling house, from old-timey Puritan poetry, to a Mayflower-themed waterslide. The Wordy Shipmates can be rich in historical fact, humorous understanding, and cultural commentary by one of America’s most celebrated voices. Thou shalt appreciate it.