xvi, 366 pages : 25 cm

"The Times of Their Lives presents a realistic, factual account of the Plymouth colony based on contemporary archaeology, cultural research, and living history. Taking little known trial transcripts, personal accounts, wills, and probate records, as well as physical artifacts such as shards and spoons unearthed from old foundations, James and Patricia Deetz reveal what life in seventeenth-century Plymouth was really like. In the process they blow the dust off the dull, wooden figures of tradition and show the Plymouth colonists as vibrant people who lived out complex and colorful lives in a world profoundly different from our own." "Beginning with an eyewitness account of the first Thanksgiving, The Times of Their Lives offers an often startling portrait of Plymouth Colony that includes aspects of the legal system, folk beliefs, family life, women's roles and gender issues, eating habits, alcohol use, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, suspicious deaths, and violent crimes." "The result is a researched and imaginative work that shakes up our view of one of the most cherished myths of American history."--Jacket

Includes bibliographical references and index

Partakers of our plenty: the Pilgrim myth -- I will harry them out of the land!--the early years, 1606-1627 -- There be witches too many: glimpses of the social world -- In an uncivil manner: sex-related crimes, violence & death -- A few things needful: houses and furnishings -- Still standing in the ground: the archaeology of early Plymouth -- The time of their lives: Plimoth Plantation

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