Everyday Life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

by George Francis Dow

Drawing extensively on contemporary records, author and antiquarian George Dow provides graphically accurate descriptions of early shelters and dwellings, interior furnishings, colonial wardrobes, sports and games, shipping, trade, medicinal aids, medical practice, crimes, punishment and much more. The text dispenses a wealth of intimate details on manners and customs - including intriguing tidbits of information on peculiar mealtime apparel, eating habits and personal cleanliness. Detailed appendixes contain shop inventories, records of the contents of private homes, copies of building agreements and other matters.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Local History

290 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1972

About the author

George Francis Dow (January 7, 1868 – June 5, 1936) was an American antiquarian for the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, active in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fascinating. This was research for a novel I'm writing, and I loved the trip back to 17th century Boston. Among my favorite chapters? The one on medicine and apothecaries and "chemists." As they say: what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent research - I'm using it for a book I'm writing.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just great.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best non-fiction compositions of day-to-day life of common people that I've ever read. A quick, informative read. I really enjoyed it.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for genealogical research.

[Hayley Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource. The information was presented clearly and with plenty of primary sources. Invaluable if you want to learn about life in Puritan America.

[Erin Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

great fun