Subject
Massachusetts -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- Fiction Books
Best books
John Turvill Adams
The Knight of the Golden Melice: A Historical Romance
"The Knight of the Golden Melice: A Historical Romance" by John Turvill Adams is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story is set around the early 17th century and delves into the tumultuous beginnings of American colonies, exploring the characters and events that shaped this period. The primary characters introduced include Sir Christopher Gardiner, who is likely to play a significant role in the narrative, and Philip Joy, a soldier facing severe punishment in the colony, providing a glimpse into the legal and social dynamics of the time. At the start of the story, the author paints a vivid picture of early 17th-century Boston, a city in its infancy, where a courtroom is assembled to address the accusations against Joy, who is accused of speaking out against the colony's authorities. The narrative captures the tense atmosphere of the courtroom as differing opinions on justice and punishment are voiced, with various characters depicted, including the benevolent Governor Winthrop and the fiery Deputy Governor Dudley. The early chapters hint at budding conflicts and alliances, particularly as Sir Christopher seeks to intervene on behalf of Joy, thus setting the stage for themes of power, liberty, and human relationships against the backdrop of colonial America's formative years.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
In colonial days
"In Colonial Days" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a collection of historical tales written in the late 19th century. The book captures the essence of colonial New England, exploring themes of history, memory, and the supernatural through various legends and anecdotes surrounding the Province House in Boston. The opening portion sets the stage for a deep dive into the past, centered around the happenings in a once-grand estate that witnessed significant events in American history. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the Province House and an elderly narrator's attraction to the historical significance of this location. He recounts his experience visiting the house, describing its architecture and evoking a sense of nostalgia for the times when loyalists and British governors held sway. Through a conversation with an elderly patron at the bar, a legend is teased about an enigmatic masked ball that took place there, hinting at supernatural elements and the ghostly figures linked to the colonial past. This sets the stage for the intertwining of history and legend, creating an atmosphere rich with intrigue as the reader anticipates the stories of the characters and events that will unfold.
Beulah Marie Dix
Soldier Rigdale: How He Sailed in the Mayflower and How He Served Miles Standish
"Soldier Rigdale: How He Sailed in the Mayflower and How He Served Miles Standish" by Beulah Marie Dix is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This narrative focuses on young Miles Rigdale, who embarks on the historic journey aboard the Mayflower and later serves alongside the famous Captain Miles Standish. The book seems to delve into themes of adventure, childhood, and the early days of American colonization as experienced by its young protagonist. The opening of "Soldier Rigdale" introduces readers to Miles Rigdale, an eleven-year-old boy aboard the Mayflower, who feels confined and longs for adventure on land after weeks at sea. Rays of hope come when he hears tales of Indians and the land they have come to explore. However, his youthful curiosity leads him into trouble when he participates in dangerous antics with another boy, resulting in a near disaster aboard the ship witnessed by the ship's authorities. The narrative sets the stage for Miles’ character development—illustrating his carefree spirit, his conflicts with authority, and his aspirations to become a soldier, forming a captivating backdrop to the historical events surrounding the Mayflower's journey.
Philip Verrill Mighels
When a witch is young: a historical novel
"When a Witch is Young" by Philip Verrill Mighels is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of 17th century Massachusetts during the tumultuous periods following King Philip’s War, the narrative explores themes of identity, conflict, and burgeoning connections amid colonial pressures. The story primarily revolves around Adam Rust, a young boy who has been captured by the Puritans and his complex emotional experiences tied to his Indian upbringing, including his relationships with those around him. The opening of the novel introduces the aftermath of King Philip's death, revealing the emotional turmoil in Plymouth as the townsfolk celebrate a brutal victory over the Wampanoag tribe. The scene is vivid, depicting the crowd, the captives, and especially young Adam, who grapples with the loss of his Indian family and his own identity. This internal conflict is compounded by his emerging friendship with William Phipps, a shipbuilder who offers him companionship and a chance for a new life away from Plymouth. Additionally, the text hints at Adam's longing for connection, particularly with Garde Merrill, a local Puritan girl. Thus, the beginning sets the tone for a richly woven tale of youthful emotions amid historical upheaval and personal transformation.
Catharine Maria Sedgwick
Hope Leslie: or, early times in the Massachusetts, volume 2 (of 2)
“Hope Leslie: or, early times in the Massachusetts, volume 2 (of 2)” by Sedgwick is a novel written in the early 19th century. Set in colonial Massachusetts, it continues the story of its spirited heroine, Hope Leslie, weaving together themes of family loyalty, cultural conflict, and romance against the backdrop of early New England and its Native American inhabitants. The narrative likely explores the destinies of Hope Leslie, her friends, and her sister as they navigate complex personal and societal challenges during a turbulent period in American colonial history. The opening of the novel finds Hope Leslie encountering Magawisca, an Indian woman of dignity and emotional depth, who offers Hope secret news of her long-lost sister. Their clandestine meeting reveals that Hope’s sister, Faith, is alive but has become part of the Native community, married to Oneco. This revelation devastates Hope, stirring conflicting feelings of sorrow, loyalty, and hope for reunion. Meanwhile, the characters around Hope—such as the devoted Everell, the calculating Sir Philip Gardiner, and the steadfast Digby—struggle with misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and the moral expectations of their Puritan society. As Hope anxiously prepares for a secret meeting with her sister, the narrative introduces social tensions, hidden motives, and the emotional turmoil that will drive the story forward.
Catharine Maria Sedgwick
Hope Leslie: or, early times in the Massachusetts, volume 1 (of 2)
"Hope Leslie: or, early times in the Massachusetts, volume 1 (of 2)" by Sedgwick is a novel written in the early 19th century. The likely topic of the book is the early colonial period in Massachusetts, focusing on themes of cultural conflict, loyalty, and personal integrity amidst the complex relations between Puritan settlers and Native Americans. The narrative introduces characters such as William Fletcher, his family, and the Native American girl Magawisca, weaving their personal struggles into the broader historical setting of New England’s founding days. The opening of the novel establishes the Fletcher family's background, marked by William Fletcher’s principled refusal to compromise his beliefs for love or fortune, resulting in his emigration to New England. It then shifts to his life in Massachusetts, depicting the hardships of colonial settlement, the integration of new family members, and the arrival of Indian servants, particularly the noble and thoughtful Magawisca. Through letters and interactions, domestic life, Puritan values, and tensions with Native Americans are vividly portrayed. As danger looms from possible attacks, the relationships between settlers and indigenous people are dramatized, revealing both the deep prejudices and the budding sympathies within the household, while a sense of impending crisis builds through Magawisca’s divided loyalties and the ever-present threat on the frontier.
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