A great & godly adventure : the Pilgrims & the myth of the first Thanksgiving /

British journalist Hodgson has written a short, engaging history of the US Thanksgiving holiday, debunking myths and misconceptions while providing historical context and narrative. Beginning with the menu (no turkey), Hodgson challenges some of the religious and political motives usually ascribed to the Pilgrims or the material artifacts of the first settlement (no Plymouth Rock) and the Native Americans (no wampum beads). He explores such ironies as the fact that most days of Thanksgiving for the early Pilgrims were marked by fasting rather than feasting, and that government decrees mandated thanks for military victories over, rather than feasts with, Indians. Hodgson offers readable, valuable reviews of topics such as the theological and political context of the Reformation in Europe and England, navigational technology, pre-Columbian Native Americans, and the political history of the national holiday since the Revolution. His critical yet sympathetic perspective on this "invented tradition" lauds its values of gratitude, humility, and inclusiveness. Endnotes reveal careful reading of the relevant primary sources, though references to secondary sources are skimpy. Too few of the graphic images referred to in the text are included. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. K. Gedge West Chester University of Pennsylvania

After reading this book, readers may finally fully understand the meaning of Thanksgiving as the Pilgrims first intended. Beginning with the religious movements in 17th century Europe, Hodgson gives a fastidiously researched description of the path that leads the Pilgrims to the new world to preach their godly message. Contrary to 19th century prints, Hodgson describes the Pilgrims at their first landing, not "with fife and drum, watched by cowering Indians, but staggering ashore, exhausted, drenched, and chilled to the bone." Establishing the colony was a brutal exercise. The Pilgrims endured "the starving time," and had to secretly bury bodies "so the Indians should not suspect how much the settlement was weakened." Hodgson follows the evolution of Thanksgiving into contemporary times, chronicling the rise of football as a Thanksgiving tradition, "almost as sacred as turkey and cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie." At times Hodgson's attention to detail slows down the narrative, but balances it out with the tale on the high seas and the patriotism of the colonists. (Oct.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.