William Bradford

An item at American Writers Museum

In 1620, the Mayflower set sail for America. Its 102 passengers hoped to create a new society separate from the Church of England. These Separatists, or radical Puritans, included William Bradford. He would be one of the colony's most influential members, helping draft its laws and serving as its governor for more than 30 years.

Blending fact and fiction, Bradford wrote Of Plymouth Plantation, a vividly told history of the Puritans' journey to and struggles in their new homeland. Bradford's work became the definitive narrative of early America.

AMERICAN VOICES

An exhibit at American Writers Museum

American writing is distinctive, diverse, and comes in many forms from across the nation. The 100 authors featured here represent the evolution of American writing. Learn more about each writer on the timeline by turning the panels below their portraits. Explore centuries of writing by pulling, turning, and touching the interactive elements on the counter.

This is not meant to be a list of the greatest or most influential writers. Instead, we present authors and works as part of the American story as it grows and changes. Taken together, this rich literary heritage reflects America in all of its complexity: its energy, hope, conflict, disillusionment, and creativity.

American Writers Museum