by J. D. Dickey
First published 2019
In September 1740, twenty-year-old preacher George Whitefield arrives in colonial New England and triggers a social upheaval unlike anything America has witnessed. His powerful oratory and theatrical presence captivate audiences across small towns and settlements. Whitefield commands his followers to abandon their sins and embrace what he claims is God's true message, accessible only through him. His sermons provoke intense reactions as listeners weep, shout, sing, and dance in religious fervor. Yet beneath their ecstasy lies growing fear, for Whitefield tolerates no opposition to his authority. His influence spreads rapidly, plunging New England into unprecedented social revolution. This movement, later known as the Great Awakening, reshapes colonial society and embeds itself into America's emerging identity. But Whitefield's meteoric rise cannot last. When his movement reaches its peak, the foundation crumbles swiftly. The promised puritanical paradise dissolves, leaving his devoted followers stripped of power and purpose. This dramatic cycle of ascent and collapse establishes a pattern that will resurface throughout American history, as future demagogues repeat the same themes of anger, grievance, and self-promotion in their own quests for influence.
Genres: historical-fiction, social-issues, american-history
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: charismatic-leader, rise-and-fall
Setting: New England
Period: 1740s
390 pages · Kindle Edition · Pegasus Books