The Times of Their Lives

Who were the Pilgrims? Far from the somberly clad, stern, and righteous figures children learn about in school, many of the settlers of Plymouth actually dressed in bright colors, drank heavily, and often got into trouble. Beginning with the first Thanksgiving, this impressive work of historical archaeology offers an often startling portrait of the Pilgrims that includes aspects of their legal system, folk beliefs, family life, women's roles and gender issues, eating habits, alcohol use, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and violent crimes.