Thomas Hooker, 1586-1647, Shuffelton Frank

Examining the relationship between Hookers activities and his writings, Frank Shuffelton considers his role in the crises of early New England politics and religion. The author analyzes Hookers works and shows that as preacher and pastor, theologian and architect of the Puritan religious community, Thomas Hooker voiced concerns that remained important throughout American history.

The analysis of Hookers career is especially valuable for the information it provides concerning his close involvement with the major issues of the day: the conflict between Roger Williams and the Bay Colony; the antinomian controversy; the political and religious striving of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; and the forming of a truly American community. The author distinguishes several phases in Hookers activities that correspond to his cultural and geographical milieu at different times. He discusses Hookers education, first pastoral experience, and career.

Originally published in 1977.

The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.