James Otis: The Pre-Revolutionist

by John Clark Ridpath

In 1702, James Otis, son of Judge John Otis, was born. He followed in his father's footsteps becoming a lawyer and colonial publicist, afterwards a colonel of the militia, a judge of the Common Pleas, a judge of the Probate Court, and a member of the Council of Massachusetts. Just after reaching his majority Colonel Otis took in marriage Mary Alleyne, and of this union were born thirteen children. The eldest was a son, and to him was given his father's name. It was to this child that destiny had assigned the heroic work of confronting the aggressions of Great Britain on the American colonists, and of inspiring the latter to forcible resistance.

Genres: History

116 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1898

About the author

John Clark Ridpath (April 26, 1840 – July 31, 1900) was an American educator, historian, and editor. His mother was a descendant of Samuel Matthews, a colonial governor of Virginia.

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know the beginning of the American Revolution, look no further than James Otis, Jr. Without him shoulder to shoulder with Samuel Adams, there is no way the US would have declared independence in 1776. The lethargy and complacency was as astounding then as it is today. People then as they are today, chasing their comforts, their "trifles," as Adams called them, and their cult of the dollar. Otis was the lawyer, the Orator, Adams the writer. Both were brilliant. Both were relentless....I just finished reading this book, another in the series of books I am using in researching the book I am writing about the Freedom Trail. Here is a book with all the tiny details needed for in-depth research. It is also a good read.

[Richard Seltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as research for my novel Parallel Lives.

[Debby Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content = 4 ⭐️
Writing = 2 ⭐️
I wanted to learn more about James Otis and his contributions to our national foundation. The first portions of the book are so difficult to read due to the writing style that I gave up and skimmed the rest.

The book could be reproduced with more clear writing.

Disappointing.