The New England Mind

It is a fascinating tale. As Miller tells it, it involves the most exciting episodes of a century of Massachusetts history. The debates about the Half-Way Covenant, the witchcraft madness, disputes about currency and inoculation—all these are adroitly related to the upsetting of the old New England way… There is also a penetrating discussion of how new scientific attitudes affected New England thinking. * The Nation *
The depth and thoroughness of Miller’s research are matched only by the clarity and wit of his presentation. Few scholars would have had the patience for such an investigation; even fewer could have made their results delightful and absorbing reading. * New York Times Book Review *
One of the most exciting histories of ideas so far produced in America. * New Yorker *
Here is the second volume of Perry Miller’s monumental study of the New England mind. In massive detail and with a brilliant combination of scholarship and insight, it presents in new perspective the historical process whereby Puritan became Yankee—as part of that larger process whereby the Reformation became the Enlightenment. * Christian Science Monitor *
A highly significant study. Anyone interested in American intellectual development will ignore it at his peril. * Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science *