Synopses & Reviews
Hawke presents the people of seventeenth century America in the vividness and hardship of their everyday lives as they tried to keep alive the customs and traditions known to them in Europe but had changes forced upon them.
Synopsis
There are many misconceptions about the first European settlers to come to the United States, and many of these false ideas date back to the 17th century. Common belief held that only the poverty-stricken lowest rungs of society, rejected by their homeland, came over to the New World. Or, since most early communities were based around agriculture, it was assumed that the new settlers were farmers. David Freeman Hawke's Everyday Life in Early America debunks these myths and more, providing an in-depth look at the first settlers and their lives.
Hawke points out that most immigrants to the New World were artisans and craftsmen, with little knowledge of farming -- although they had to quickly learn that skill. And that far from being sent to the Colonies as punishment, many came over by choice with the dream of creating a new life. Hawke's depiction of the 17th century colonists is one that will enlighten and surprise the 21st century reader.
David Freeman Hawke was professor emeritus of American history at Lehman College of the City University of New York. He previously taught at Pace College. He was the author of many books, including Benjamin Rush: Revolutionary Gadfly, which was nominated for a National Book Award, Paine, and Franklin. He died in 1999.
"In this clearly written volume, Hawke provides enlightening and colorful descriptions of early Colonial Americans and debunks many widely held assumptions about 17th century settlers." -- Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Includes fibliographical references (p. [179]-185) and index.
Synopsis
"In this clearly written volume, Hawke provides enlightening and colorful descriptions of early Colonial Americans and debunks many widely held assumptions about 17th century settlers."--Publishers Weekly
Description
Bibliography: p. [179]-185.