# William Bradford

## Biography

William Bradford was a pivotal figure in early American history and a significant writer, born in Austerfield, Yorkshire, England, around 1590. Orphaned young, he joined the Separatist movement in his youth, a decision that shaped his life. He migrated with the Pilgrims to the Netherlands and then, in 1620, sailed aboard the Mayflower to the New World, settling in Plymouth. Following the death of the first governor, Bradford was elected to the position in 1621, serving intermittently for over three decades and guiding the nascent colony through its formidable early years.

Bradford's most enduring literary contribution is "Of Plymouth Plantation," a comprehensive chronicle of the Plymouth Colony from 1620 to 1646. Written in a plain, direct style, this invaluable historical account details the Pilgrims' journey, their struggles, interactions with Native Americans, and the development of their community. His work stands as a foundational text of American literature and history. He also contributed to "Mourt's Relation" and penned several "Dialogues" and poems towards the end of his life, reflecting his deep faith and commitment to the Pilgrim legacy. Bradford passed away in 1657, leaving behind a profound written record of an essential period in American beginnings.

## Books

- [Bradford's History of 'Plimoth Plantation': From the Original Manuscript. With a Report of the Proceedings Incident to the Return of the Manuscript to Massachusetts](https://samolit.com/books/96693)