A TALE OF TWO BOSTONS is now available below in three formats.
A Tale of Two Bostons explores the historical significance of Boston, Lincolnshire, and its role in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The narrative begins with the political and religious turmoil in England during the early 17th century, when the Forced Loan imposed by Charles I in 1626 led to imprisonment for those who resisted, and highlights the emergence of the Boston Men, who united against Stuart tyranny and formed the Massachusetts Bay Company.
Between 1620 and 1640, the Great Migration saw 20,000 people migrate from England to New England, with 90% arriving after 1630, following William Laud’s elevation from Bishop of London to Archbishop of the English Church.
The New England Origins Series investigates the English roots of the Anglo-American political, intellectual, religious, and cultural traditions that established New England in North America during the first half of the 17th century.
VIEW BARRY A. COTTON’S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
A Tale of Two Bostons, Barry Arthur Cotton’s first published work, has recently been nominated for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing.
Key Figures in the Founding of Massachusetts
- Although John Winthrop is often credited with founding the Massachusetts Bay Company, Cotton writes that Isaac Johnson, Thomas Dudley, and John Humfrey were the founders.
- The narrative reveals that the Massachusetts Bay Company was established as a for-profit enterprise, countering the myth of purely religious motivations.
The book emphasizes the contributions of lesser-known figures in establishing the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The Great Migration and Its Impact
The Great Migration is portrayed as a critical event in American history, with significant implications for both England and the New World.
- 90% of the migration occurred after 1630, driven by religious persecution and political strife.
- The migration represented less than half of one percent of England’s population, yet it had a profound impact on the development of New England.
- The book argues that the contributions of the Boston Men have been largely overlooked in historical narratives.
The Legacy of the Boston Men
The Boston Men are presented as key figures in establishing the Massachusetts Bay Company and the colony itself.
Despite their significant contributions, the Boston Men remain largely unrecognized in historical accounts of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.ublished work, has recently been nominated for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award for Excellence in Independent Publishing.
Their resistance to the Forced Loan and subsequent actions laid the groundwork for the colony’s governance.
The book includes primary documents that illustrate their efforts and the manipulation of royal charters to secure autonomy.