Puritan Experience

Originally published in 1972 and based on extensive research and use of source materials including manuscripts, this book examines Puritan spiritual autobiographies written before 1725 and sets them in the context of the literary tradition out of which they grew. As well as Bunyan, Baxter and Fox, this book also discusses important works which have received less attention, notably the Confessions of Richard Norwood, the Bermudan settler. The book identifies 3 strands in the tradition: the work of the 'orthodox' Puritans; the prophets of the Commonwealth, and the confessions and journals of the early Quakers. The social, religious and literary factors which contributed to their development are discussed and it is shown how the self-analysis popularized by the Puritan preachers and writers contributed to the development of the novel. The book will be of particular value to those interested in 17th Century literature or religion.

List of contents

1. Personal Religion 2. Recorded Experience 3. Theme and Variations 4. The Puritan Environment 5. Richard Norwood’s Confessions 6. Conservatives and Radicals 7. Bunyan’s Grace Abounding 8. Reliquiae Baxterianae 9. The Vulgar Prophets 10. Quaker Testimonies 11. Quaker Journals 12. A Language of Spiritual Experience 13. The Puritan Self

About the author

Owen C. Watkins

Summary

Originally published in 1972 and based on extensive research and use of source materials including manuscripts, this book examines Puritan spiritual autobiographies written before 1725 and sets them in the context of the literary tradition out of which they grew.

Product details

• Authors: Owen C. Watkins, Watkins Owen C.
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.10.2022
• EAN: 9780367628772
• ISBN: 978-0-367-62877-2
• No. of pages: 278
• Series: Routledge Library Editions: Puritanism
• Subjects: Fiction > Poetry, drama; Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; England, RELIGION / Christianity / Protestant, European History, HISTORY / General, Social & cultural history, HISTORY / Modern / 17th Century, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / Stuart Era (1603-1714), LITERARY CRITICISM / Subjects & Themes / Historical Events, LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / 17th Century, LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / 16th Century, British & Irish history, Social and cultural history, Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700, Literary studies: c 1500 to c 1800, Literary studies: c 1600 to c 1800, C 1600 To C 1700