Subject
Virginia -- Social life and customs -- To 1775 Books
Best books
Philip Vickers Fithian
Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion, 1773-1774.
"Journal and Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian" is a historical account edited by Hunter Dickinson Farish, likely written in the late 18th century. This work chronicles the experiences and observations of Philip Vickers Fithian, a Princeton-educated tutor who served the Carter family at the "Nomini Hall" plantation in Virginia during a critical period leading up to the American Revolution. The narrative delves into Fithian's reflections on plantation life, his interactions with the Carter family, and his perspectives on societal issues of the time, including slavery and the growing tensions with Britain. The beginning of this work sets the stage for Fithian's journey to Virginia, highlighting his background and the significant transitions he undergoes as he leaves New Jersey and arrives at the expansive estate of the Carters. It outlines the vibrant plantation environment he encounters, filled with social gatherings, cultural refinement, and the complexities of life in a slaveholding society. Fithian's entries reveal both his admiration for the genteel lifestyle and his inner struggles with the moral implications of the plantation economy, establishing a nuanced exploration of the historical context in which he lived. The opening invites readers to engage with Fithian's vivid descriptions and personal reflections, promising insight into a bygone era through the eyes of an astutely observant young man.
Annie Lash Jester
Domestic Life in Virginia in the Seventeenth Century
"Domestic Life in Virginia in the Seventeenth Century" by Annie Lash Jester is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. This work explores the intricacies of domesticity and settlement during the early period of Virginia's colonization, particularly focusing on the roles and contributions of women and the establishment of stable homes. It provides a detailed examination of how domestic life contributed to the colony's survival and prosperity. The opening of the book details the foundational years of the Virginia colony, beginning with the arrival of Mrs. Lucy Forest and her maid, Ann Burras, in 1608. It describes the initial challenges of colonization, such as harsh living conditions and the necessity for settlers to adapt to a new environment. Jester contextualizes the settlement efforts within the larger motivations of wealth and expansion from England, highlighting the fundamental role of women in creating domestic stability and their management of households amidst the challenges faced by the early colonists. The narrative illustrates the development of early home structures and the food sources that became integral to Virginia's survival, setting the stage for the later flourishing of colonial life.
Thomas Jefferson Wertenbaker
Patrician and Plebeian Or The Origin and Development of the Social Classes of the Old Dominion
"Patrician and Plebeian in Virginia" by Thomas Jefferson Wertenbaker is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the origins and development of the social classes in Virginia, particularly focusing on the aristocracy rather than the commonly held belief that they descended primarily from noble English families. The book delves into the interplay of economic, political, and social factors that shaped Virginia's class structure, revealing a more complex history than previously understood. The opening of the work offers a detailed preface where Wertenbaker argues against the traditional narrative surrounding Virginian aristocracy, stating that it arose from a mixture of merchant swells and less distinguished immigrants rather than from English gentry or Cavaliers. He discusses the shift in status and identity among Virginia planters over time, their relationships with the mother country, and how they adapted to local conditions. This portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the political and economic dynamics that influenced social hierarchy, dispelling myths and painting a vivid picture of colonial Virginia’s societal evolution.
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