By John Barry
This book should be required reading for every Rhode Islander. The first third or so of this biography actually follows the careers of statesmen William Coke and Francis Bacon (both influential in the formation of Roger Williams' ideas) during the reigns of James I and Charles I. Not until one understands the restrictive policies of the puritans can we realize how revolutionary was Williams' concept of freedom of conscience. He was a highly religious man who search the scriptures in every case, was one of the few colonists to befriend the Narragansetts and learn their language, and fought hard for freedom (including freedom for slaves), making 3 trips back to England to secure the royal charter that finally settled Rhode Islands's rights to self-government. We also meet historical figures whose names are now associated with towns (Warwick) and streets (Arnold Avenue, Miantonomi Road, etc.) - but the main reward of reading this fairly lengthy book was to appreciate a truly original thinker, ever just, ever faithful, ever true.
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