A Feather at the Feast: Thomas Morton, America's First Nature Writer and Falconer

Thomas Morton was a writer, lawyer, social reformer, and the first falconer in the United States. Ben Crane reconstructs his life to learn about his legacy, including falconry, the power of the written word, the threat to traditional cultures, and our relationship with the natural world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

The life of Thomas Morton, a writer, satirist, lawyer, and social reformer, was a remarkable journey that spanned multiple facets of American history. Born in the early 1600s, Morton embarked on a voyage to the New World, where he established the settlement of Merrymount. Unlike other Anglican colonists, Morton introduced an unusual British activity to American soil: falconry.

This legacy serves as the driving force behind fellow falconer Ben Crane's quest to unravel the story of Morton. Crane travels to the rugged Dartmoor landscape, where Morton honed his skills in flying birds of prey. He also takes to the skies in Massachusetts, soaring with goshawks, the majestic birds that Morton cherished.

Crane's journey takes him through the towns of New England, where he seeks out the courtrooms where Morton faced trial and imprisonment. He also spends time with contemporary members of the Wampanoag Tribe, learning about their culture and connection to Morton.

As Crane delves deeper into Morton's life, he discovers profound lessons that resonate with the modern era. More than a mere biography of an iconoclast, this story explores the power of the written word, the ongoing threat to traditional cultures, and the intricate and ever-evolving relationship between humans and the natural world.

Morton's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to social reform and his fierce criticism of the Puritans, a religious group that dominated the political landscape of New England at the time. He used his writing and satirical prowess to challenge the strict rules and beliefs of the Puritans, advocating for a more inclusive and tolerant society.

Through his falconry pursuits, Morton also demonstrated his deep connection to the natural world. He studied the behavior of birds of prey and applied his knowledge to the art of hunting, which was a valuable skill in the colonial era. Falconry was not just a pastime for Morton; it was a way of life that reflected his reverence for the environment and his desire to preserve it.

In conclusion, the life of Thomas Morton was a remarkable blend of writing, satire, law, and social reform. His introduction of falconry to American soil and his unwavering commitment to social justice left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence modern thinkers. Through the lens of Ben Crane's journey, we gain a deeper understanding of Morton's life and the profound lessons he imparted to the world.

Dimension: 234 x 153 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788546331