Members of the Church of England until the mid-16th century, the Puritans thought the Church had become too political and needed to be "purified." While many Puritans believed the Church was capable of reform, a large number decided that separating from the Church was their only remaining course of action. Thus the mass migration of Puritans (known as Pilgrims), to America took place. Although Puritanism died in England around 1689 and in America in 1758, Puritan beliefs, such as self-reliance, frugality, industry, and energy remain standards of the American ideal. The Historical Dictionary of Puritans tells the story of Puritanism from its origins until its eventual demise. This is done through a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, and several hundred cross-referenced dictionary entries on important people, places, and events.

"Well focused and concise....Very readable....Public and academic libraries that aim for a well-rounded religious collection will greatly appreciate the way this dictionary fills a niche." - Booklist

"A worthy addition to the reference collections of high school and college libraries." - American Reference Books Annual

"...the most extensive, carefully charted one-volume dictionary of Puritan life to date....Recommended...." - Library Journal

"The treatment is factual and avoids the caricatures and stereotypes so common in descriptions of the Puritans....It is a volume which will prove to be of great help in understanding the writings of the Puritans and the momentus times in which they lived." - Reformed Theological Journal

"...especially useful as a first-contact resource." - Reference and Research Book News