Key Puritan Authors to Know for American Literature – Before 1800

Key Puritan authors shaped early American literature with their writings on faith, community, and personal struggle. Their works reflect the complexities of Puritan beliefs and the cultural landscape of America before 1800, influencing future generations of writers.

1. William Bradford

   • Governor of the Plymouth Colony and a key figure in early American history.
   • Authored "Of Plymouth Plantation," a detailed account of the Pilgrims' journey and settlement.
   • Emphasized themes of faith, community, and divine providence in his writings.

2. John Winthrop

   • First governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a prominent Puritan leader.
   • Known for his sermon "A Model of Christian Charity," which outlined the vision of a "city upon a hill."
   • Advocated for a strong sense of community and moral responsibility among settlers.

3. Anne Bradstreet

   • The first published American female poet, known for her personal and religious themes.
   • Her collection "The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America" reflects her struggles and faith.
   • Explored the role of women in Puritan society and the tension between personal desires and religious duty.

4. Edward Taylor

   • A poet and minister whose works are characterized by complex metaphors and deep spirituality.
   • His collection "Preparatory Meditations" reveals his meditative approach to faith and the divine.
   • Taylor's poetry often reflects the Puritan belief in the importance of personal piety and introspection.

5. Cotton Mather

   • A prominent minister, author, and pamphleteer known for his role in the Salem witch trials.
   • Wrote "Magnalia Christi Americana," a comprehensive history of New England and its churches.
   • His works often combined religious fervor with a commitment to science and education.

6. Jonathan Edwards

   • A key figure in the First Great Awakening, known for his fire-and-brimstone sermons.
   • His sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" exemplifies his intense emotional appeal and theological depth.
   • Explored the relationship between human experience and divine grace, emphasizing the need for personal conversion.

7. Mary Rowlandson

   • Author of "A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson," a captivity narrative.
   • Her account details her experience of being captured by Native Americans and her struggle for survival.
   • Reflects Puritan themes of faith, providence, and the clash of cultures in early America.

8. Michael Wigglesworth

   • A minister and poet known for his long poem "The Day of Doom," which depicts the Last Judgment.
   • His work reflects the Puritan emphasis on sin, redemption, and the afterlife.
   • Wigglesworth's poetry was widely read and influential in shaping colonial attitudes toward morality and salvation.

9. Thomas Shepard

   • A Puritan minister and theologian known for his writings on church governance and personal piety.
   • His work "The Parable of the Ten Virgins" emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness and vigilance.
   • Advocated for a rigorous examination of faith and the necessity of a personal relationship with God.

10. Increase Mather

    • A prominent minister and president of Harvard College, known for his writings on witchcraft and theology.
    • Authored "Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits," which addressed the witch trials and the nature of evil.
    • His works reflect the complexities of Puritan thought, balancing faith with reason and societal concerns.