SCARLET ANNE

A long narrative poem, based on the life of that heroine of Colonial Days, Anne Hutchinson. Anne vital, invincible, often inspired, waged a constant crusade against bigotry and intolerance. She and her husband left England because of increasing religious persecution. They came to Boston; Anne preached liberty and freedom to the women, ministered to the sick, poor, the suspects of witchcraft -- until she herself is suspect. Winthrop and Cotton turn against her. She is banished to Rhode Island, and is later massacred by the Indians. A vigorous and colorful story, well told, with authentic background. The verse is, unfortunately, verbose and flowery.