This wonderfully illustrated book retells a great, American love-story. It is a dramatized portrayal of the Mayflower Pilgrims, akin to a docudrama, being part historical fact and part imagination. (Several years of events are condensed and poetically rearranged for dramatic effect. The publisher lists the book as historical fiction.) However, the book is not a novel or a narrative history. Rather, it is presented as an epic poem - an ancient, heroic legend - a la Homer's Odyssey or Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Henry Longfellow, the celebrated poet and a great-grandson of the lovers, first composed the tale long ago. He created a mesmerizing Shakespearean ballad about three, young friends who were Mayflower Pilgrims. They became involved in a poignant love-triangle shortly after arriving in America. Before their personal conflict could be resolved, a fierce Indian war threatened their village. First published in 1858 as The Courtship of Miles Standish, the saga quickly became a national legend, celebrating love, family, and an eternal American Dream. The story's sensitive portrayal of young lovers-told with grace and wit-remains a cultural icon. However, archaic language gradually made it a lost tale. Now, David Bradford, a Harvard and Yale-educated author, has rewritten the story for a new generation. He uses modern free-verse and antique illustrations to restore the tale's Shakespearean tone. An updated, poetic verse ranges from epic drama to mirthful humor to radiant beauty. Dozens of restored monochrome engravings and prints enliven the text. Some of the illustrations are based on portraits by the legendary Rembrandt and Frans Hals. A wonderfully portrait of a young woman in love, circa 1650, graces the book's cover. The result is an exceptionally life-like portrayal of the Mayflower Pilgrims, one of the best ever. This vibrant book is an instant classic, to be treasured by romantics of all ages. Reader's Guide: The book's love-triangle may be based on a true story, but the original author, Henry Longfellow, condensed and rearranged events for dramatic effect. The tale helped make the Mayflower Pilgrims into national icons, but a debate persists as to how much of the epic poem is fact or fiction-Longfellow was renown for his poetic license. (The publisher lists the book as historical fiction.) Boston Hill Press has adapted the Victorian-era text into modern English, including new explanatory passages. This is an entirely new adaptation, and not a reprint. The tale, though, has one scene of regrettable war-time violence, accompanied by guilt and redemption. Nevertheless, the story celebrates love, family, and an eternal American Dream. (Publisher's Note: This book is not a novel or a narrative history, but rather is an epic poem, akin to a theatrical play written in poetic verse, e.g. Shakespeare.)
