Subject
Massachusetts -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Thomas Morton
The New English Canaan of Thomas Morton with Introductory Matter and Notes
"The New English Canaan of Thomas Morton with Introductory Matter and Notes" is a historical account edited by Charles Francis Adams, Jr., published in the late 19th century. This work centers on Thomas Morton's experiences and observations during the early colonial period in New England, particularly his settlement at Merrymount and its interactions with Native Americans and other settlers. It explores themes of freedom, revelry, and the clash of cultures in early America. The opening of the text provides a detailed introduction to Morton’s background and the context of his life in the early 17th century. It begins with references to other historical figures, such as Captain Wollaston and Governor Bradford, illustrating the complexities of colonial attempts to establish settlements. Morton emerges as a controversial figure, with charges against him hinting at a tempestuous and colorful life involving trade, revelry, and interactions with Native tribes. The narrative pivots around his endeavors at Merry-Mount, where he engages in spirited festivities, depicts early colonial life, and challenges Puritan norms, setting the stage for his eventual conflicts with the more austere Plymouth settlers.
William Wood
New Englands Prospect A true, lively, and experimentall description of that part of America, commonly called New England: discovering the state of that Countrie, both as it stands to our new-come English Planters; and to the old Native Inhabitants
"New Englands Prospect" by William Wood is a historical account written in the early 17th century. The work offers a detailed description of New England, exploring its geography, resources, wildlife, and the conditions experienced by both English settlers and Native Americans. It serves as both a guide for prospective settlers and a report on the region's natural wealth, addressing potential benefits and challenges for new arrivals. The opening of the text includes a preface addressing the reader and expressing the author's motivations for writing. Wood emphasizes his intent to provide an honest and experiential account of New England, countering misleading rumors and showcasing the region's advantages. He describes the pleasant landscape, emphasizes the healthful climate compared to England, and outlines its agricultural potential, including the rich soil and favorable conditions for a variety of crops and livestock. Such insights aim to encourage migration and investment into the area while presenting a practical understanding of its challenges, particularly regarding the severe winters.
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