Subject
New England -- 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.
Unknown
Sailors Narratives of Voyages Along the New England Coast, 1524-1624
"Sailors Narratives of Voyages Along the New England Coast, 1524-1624" by G.P. Winship is a historical account published in the early 20th century. It compiles first-hand narratives from various explorers and sailors who journeyed along the New England coastline, primarily detailing their encounters with indigenous peoples and descriptions of the landscapes they discovered. This collection provides valuable insights into early European explorations and the interactions with the New World. The opening of the work begins with an introductory note about the book's publication specifics and the narrative structure of the subsequent chapters, which are based on original accounts and historic voyages. The first chapter recounts Giovanni da Verrazano’s voyage in 1524, highlighting his ambitious attempt to explore the coast in search of new lands and trade routes. Verrazano shares his observations of the land, the native inhabitants, and the resources he encounters, painting a vivid picture of his voyage filled with wonder, danger, and the unknown. Through his detailed accounts, readers get a glimpse into the early European perspective on the Americas and the intriguing landscapes and cultures they were beginning to encounter.
Francis Higginson
New-Englands plantation : $b with the sea journal and other writings
"New-Englands Plantation" by Rev. Francis Higginson is a historical account, written in the early 17th century. This work provides an early printed description of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, focusing on both its natural resources and the experiences of its settlers. Higginson's writings aim to inform and attract further emigration from England, detailing the advantages and challenges of life in this burgeoning new world. The opening of "New-Englands Plantation" sets the stage by addressing the context of the colony around the year 1630. It begins with a transcription note and a historical introduction, which outlines Higginson’s background and purpose. The text then transitions into a detailed exploration of the New England landscape, discussing its soil, climate, flora, and fauna, as well as the political conditions and the Indigenous population. Higginson emphasizes both the bountiful resources available for settlers and the challenges they may face, establishing the colony as a land of opportunity tempered by the realities of nature and survival in a new environment.
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