The Antinomian Controversy, 1636-1638: A Documentary History - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0822310910 ISBN 13: 9780822310914

Publisher: Duke University Press, 1990

Synopsis

The Antinomian controversy—a seventeenth-century theological crisis concerning salvation—was the first great intellectual crisis in the settlement of New England. Transcending the theological questions from which it arose, this symbolic controversy became a conflict between power and freedom of conscience. David D. Hall’s thorough documentary history of this episode sheds important light on religion, society, and gender in early American history.
This new edition of the 1968 volume, published now for the first time in paperback, includes an expanding bibliography and a new preface, treating in more detail the prime figures of Anne Hutchinson and her chief clerical supporter, John Cotton. Among the documents gathered here are transcripts of Anne Hutchinson’s trial, several of Cotton’s writings defending the Antinomian position, and John Winthrop’s account of the controversy. Hall’s increased focus on Hutchinson reveals the harshness and excesses with which the New England ministry tried to discredit her and reaffirms her place of prime importance in the history of American women.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"In praise of the first edition:

""The transcripts reproduced here of the examination of Mrs. Hutchinson at the General Court in November 1637 and her trial at the Boston church in March 1638 remain as vivid and revealing as ever. The editing and presentation of the documents . . . ensure that the volume will be the standard text for these materials for a long time."--Conrad Wright, "American Historical Review"

"A comprehensive, well-edited collection of documents."--"Choice"

About this edition

• Publisher: Duke University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0822310910
• ISBN 13: 9780822310914
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 478
• Editor: Hall David D.