On Friday, June 24, 2011, at 6pm, The Book Nook at River’s Edge will host local author and historian Tom Juergens. Juergens will be on hand to read from and discuss his latest book, “Wicked Puritans of Essex County”.
In early seventeenth-century Massachusetts, Essex County was home to growing populations of Puritans. These purportedly straight-laced, God-fearing men and women had ventured to the New World to purify their church from within and used drastic measures, including hangings, to achieve that goal.
But the purification–and Puritan doctrine itself–was actually surprisingly unpopular. A number of sinful, impious and deadly individuals broke the Puritan mold in other ways, too. They have long been forgotten–until now.
Local historian Tom Juergens shines new light on the Puritan era with a collection of poignant–and sordid–stories that reveal ugly truths behind whippings, brandings, mutilations and state-sponsored executions, all in the name of faith!
Established in 1998, the award-winning River’s Edge is located at 15 Market Street in downtown Ipswich. The newly-expanded Book Nook at River’s Edge offers an eclectic collection of quirky and classic books. For more information about the store and upcoming events, please call (978)356-2363, email Paul Allen-Webber at paul@riversegdegift.com, or visit www.riversedgegift.com or www.facebook.com/thebooknook.