Puritan's Empire

Should be the American History textbook in every Catholic High-school/College in the country. At times infuriating, Coloumbe rips off the veneer of American exceptionalism and the "shining city on a hill" mentality that colored American History for students of the last generation and prior, without falling prey to the leftist idea that America is the great evil "conceived in genocide and built by racism" that colors the study of American History today. Coulombe masterfully tells the Catholic history of the country from the settlement in different areas by the French and Spanish, to how Catholics were treated by the Country's protestant majority. By the end, the Catholic reader understands perfectly their place in the country today as well as their duty to evangelize her.

I have bought two copies of this book now, because I loved my own and had to share it with another homeschooling family. Catholics have so much to love about their country, and that is proved by every illuminating story and fascinating fact in the book, as well as by the captivating narrative style of the author. Yes, it's a really big book, but it gets going fast and it's quite the ride through American history--which of course begins waaaay before 1776 in this volume! A great lover of history, usually I despise reading anything about the history of the 20th century, but this book made even that interesting to me. At best, you could say that all my American history heretofore has been viewed through a secular lens, and worse--too often a Marxist lens, and so this book on every level was an absolute treat. I will probably buy more copies in the future!

If only history like this was taught in Catholic schools, what a difference it would make

Completely made me look at American History from a whole new angle! I'm thoroughly glad I decided to read it.

So far, this is an excellent read! I love the subject matter and Charles's view of this portion of history. It is also written so that the average guy can understand it. It is by no means dull!

If told truthfully our country's history is a fascinating story to know about, including the good, the bad and the ugly. We have so many lessons we can learn for dealing with our own times by honestly studying and understanding the real story of its founding and its revolutionary corruption of the Christian Catholic social order that existed in its preceding era. Charles Colulombe's "Puritan's Empire" conveys the truth in the Catholic story within in our nations story in a very thought provoking recounting. The book shows how the confusing degenerate culture of modernity is very closely connected with our nation's founding and the failures of the Catholic Church to convert America. It is a study that people of good will especially the young need to know. Charles Coulombe's book "Puritan's Empire" brings an honest appraisal of how this story unfolded. He shows how the Church's greater mission for the good of souls and salvation of the world has been sorely lacking in the story of the US and beyond. And all too often the history of America is even intentionally severely distorted or selectively conveyed with an agenda. In this era of untrustworthy sourcing, deconstructed narratives, BLM , NYT 1619 Project, and other Marxist ideological rewritings and polemical revolutionaries its refreshing to have "Puritan's Empire" as a resource that is well documented, honest, thought provoking and hopeful. It provides an in-depth summary to study from, reflect upon and use for reference. Get copies for yourself and for others in your influence---help restore the culture back to Catholic Christianity!

This book is comprehensive enough to be used as an American History textbook in the classroom (and it is certainly not lacking in well-researched sources). At the same time, it isn't dry or tedious to read. This book makes you feel like you're sitting starry-eyed at grandpa's feet as he tells you about the past.

This book is awesome. A lot of the time you only get a surface level description of history this book however digs all the way to the core of a history I've never heard of, the Catholic history of America. Great read

Excellent book!

Well written and thought provoking. Presents aspects of US history unknown to most American Catholics.

All my life, it had always been a struggle to learn and understand American history from a source and lens that I could trust, as everything else out there has been tainted, in various degrees, by the heresy of Americanism. This book finally break from that mould and offers people who truly identify as Catholic a perspective that will aid them in developing a proper virtue of Patriotism--a patriotism that is through and through Catholic instead of the tenuous standard form of patriotism that has up to this point, sought to slap a Christian veneer on principles that have proven to be troublesome at best with the Catholic faith.

Not the Whig history taught in schools. This is true, Catholic American history. Great read.

Coulombe provides a great overview of American history from another point of view, a Catholic point of view. His angle on American history is one of faith and sharply contrasts the more secular views of American history. I read this book after I read part of Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" and Paul Johnson's "A History of the American People." Coulombe's work can surprisingly contrast and agree with both of their views in a uniquely Catholic way.

As others have echoed in their reviews, this is the essential book for every US Catholic. It ought to be required reading for every Catholic high schooler (and highschool teacher) as a supplement and corrective to the somewhat skewed history we are given. Not only does Coulombe tell the history of this continent with an eye to the Catholic elements and involvement, but he also does so to explain the significance of that history to where we, as Catholics and as a country, are today. This book was an excellent introduction into the history of the Church in this country, as well as to the heresy of Americanism. It is my firm belief that thorough knowledge of our history and our biases in thought that we can correct the wayward path we've taken and convert our nation to Christ the King.

The book is exactly what the subtitle says it is. I have four young homeschooled children and will use this book to supplement their American History curriculum when the time comes.

Coulombe has become my favorite author. An absolute delight to read.

This book is useful for anyone who wants to see the history of America from a view that is underrepresented in other history book: the Catholic view. With that in mind, I found the book engrossing and quite informative. Readers who aren't Catholic be warned; you will probably find the author's slant objectionable at parts, or perhaps question some of the sources (particularly the many instances non Catholic America is shown in a less than ideal light, with its worst atrocities highlighted), but remember that every retelling of history has such issues and it is best to consider both sides of a story and think for oneself. In a culture where Catholicism is often demonized in history books, it is only fair to see a take on history from the opposite side and the many details that have been intentionally washed out to often paint the non-Catholic side in a better light. This book will help one realize both the good side and the imperfections of our nation.

My one potential criticism is that are a few parts where perhaps the author's thesis perhaps overreaches, with the author filling in his own conclusions, one example being on some of the more complex issues such as the politics of the civil war with regards to Catholicism, but overall I think he provides a very good summary of American history.

Unlike some other books on the topic, this one is quite readable, with enough quirks to generally keep the reader interested. I appreciate Mr. Coulombe's efforts to include some of the more random details as well (whether it be an aside about explorers pre Columbus taken from the Catholic encyclopedia, or some of the lesser known folk stories of Catholics in early America). The book is an enjoyable read and good for all ages adults, highschoolers, as well as interested middleschoolers.

I especially appreciate first section of the book deals with the often forgotten era of history from Columbus until 1776... the true origins of America. This era is so neglected in many modern history books we see in our modern highschools or middleschools, and I appreciated seeing its significance, both in terms of how it influenced America, what could have been if the Catholic powers maintained more influence, and also how it played into Christendom as a whole.

Lastly, I enjoy Mr. Coulombe's sense of the bigger picture. In ways that only a Catholic would write, he ties our nations history; a string of seemingly random events, together: as a larger overarching image of both Christendom's victories and losses on earth.

This book is a key to unlocking American history for Catholics. It is always complicated living in a nation that considers itself Christian but due to it being Protestant, considers Catholics that other Christianity. In America it is year zero for everything. This can make Catholics sour on their nation, but Coulombe is a patriot who can paint the full picture as he does very skillfully in this book.

A truer book of American History. How right from the beginning The founding fathers showed Contempt to Catholicism and especially to The Papacy and it is still a bedrock of our form of government still today. Plus this book also shows how complicit the bishops of the United States were and are in falling in with the government and not evangelizing Americans to the One true faith.

just started reading Pilgrim's Empire yesterday. Could not put it down.

This should be required reading for Catholic High School students specifically, and highly recommended for any Catholic adults interested in an amazing, eye-opening account of our country's history, from Columbus to the founding fathers to the second civil war to the cultural upheaval of the 1960s.

I have listened to enough of Off the Menu that reading this book is like listening to audible because I can hear Mr. Coulombe’s voice reading the book to me. I can also pick up on some of his jokes too! Definitely an entertaining ready, but also very informative!

I was so grateful to come across this book by happenstance. My priest was in the hospital recovering from surgery and someone gave it to him. He recommended it and I bought a copy. I had never heard of Charles before and was not even Catholic yet. I converted later, but the book was eye opening. There are so many takeaways, but it left me with a much broader and deeper understanding of US history, which was written largely by Protestants, and an appreciation for the Catholic heritage we do have as Americans. I bought a second copy later to keep as a reference. This book is more than five stars. It is an essential read for every Catholic American. Oh, and it’s well-written and a delight to read.

Puritan’s Empire is a page turner without a doubt. Every chapter is loaded with historical personages and events which jump out at you, grab your attention, and give you the desire to learn even more about history! US history from a Catholic perspective has become a new area of interest to me thanks to Monsieur Coulombe. Thanks Charles and Vinny!

Easy to read and thought provoking, a must read!

An excellent, honest and Catholic perspective on America's founding and history.

I had no idea of the extent of the Catholic history in the New World. I had no idea of the animosity of the Founding Fathers towards Catholicism. The facts in this book give a whole new insight into the heresy of Americanism and the skewed concept of religious liberty. After reading this book you will see your country in a whole new light. A must read.