A few books in particular might interest you. The first is Home Life in Colonial Days, by Alice Earle. W. D. Grissom, one of Amazon.com's top reviewers, has this to say about the book: "This hundred-year-old work retains its vitality and usefulness.In her wonderfully readable narrative, Earle conveys life in the colonies with vividness missing from
most conventional texts. Starting with basic shelter, which were sometimes actually caves in the
earliest days, she goes on to describe in detail the critical element of food supply, with careful explanations of culinary practices and useful drawings to illustrate the often-obscure utensils. (This latter feature will fascinate antique buffs.)
We are always looking for books that offer good source material on Colonial homes, art, cooking, or lifestyle. Homebuilding and Woodworking in Colonial America offers a wealth of detail on how colonial settlers built their homes. It includes pictures of the tools they used. The Amazon.com customer review says, "You will not be able to put this book down! The incredible richness of the information and the quality of both the pen and ink drawings and the narative are outstanding."
There are a lot of books available on Colonial history, of course. We've chosen to list ones
that concentrate on "everyday life" in early America, along with some useful reference books for those of you who also collect original Colonial kitchen and household items, plus a few books to introduce your kids to this exciting part of our history. To order, simply click on any title and Amazon will take care of handling your order. You can also visit our Bookstore for other selections, or take a look at our Shaker page for a listing of books about the Shakers.
History and Reference
Everyday Life in Early America by David Hawke. This has wonderful information and insights into the basic facts of life in colonial America.
Books on Colonial Furniture, Household Items, and Colonial Homess
The Pine Furniture of Early New England by Russell Hawes Kettell. This book, which contains 284 illustrations, has a lot of information about the way in which early settlers lived, the characteristics of the pine which they used for furniture-building, and much more. It's a great resource for people interested in how people lived during Colonial times.
Colonial Living is described as some reviewers as a great addition to anyone's library for providing details on American colonial life.
The Essential Book of Shaker by David Larkin. Several of Ron's designs, including the clock are influenced by Shaker works. Larkin's book will give you background on this sect's design principles.
We've listed a few books that are related to Colonial History that you may find interesting below. But we know that's now all you want to read, so we've provided some links to Amazon.com, where you can find other good selections. For example, if you've enjoyed the Harry Potter books and want to read more fantasy adventures, try clicking on After Harry Potter for a list of fun "reads". Now for our Colonial selections:
Homes in Colonial America provides information on the homes of people living at the time of the Revolutionary War.
The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter. This is a fictional story on audio cassette ideal for children between the ages of 10 and 13, and it's set not far from Replitiques! Take it along when you go driving on vacation this summer. You can also purchase the story in paperback if you prefer.
Johnny Tremaine by Esther Forbes. I first read this book in 5th grade, and it was an exciting introduction to colonial history through the eyes of a young apprentice silversmith. After being injured in an accident, Johnny must give up his apprenticeship. He finds new challenges as he becomes part of the group of colonists fighting for freedom. A great read for kids ... and a newly illustrated edition! Recommended by Tracey.
Beaded Moccasins: The Story of Mary Campbell. It was interesting to find this book, which tells the story of 12-year old Mary Campbell, who was kidnapped by Delaware Indians in Pennsylvania in 1759. That's because we have an ancestor, Frances Slocum Tripp, who underwent virtually the same experience! We think you'll find the six-year saga of Mary's life with the Delaware Indians to be a fascinating one.
The Arrow Over the Door by Joseph Bruchac. Set in 1777 just before the Battle of Saratoga, this tale, which is based on another real-life historical episode, tells about a Quaker boy named Samuel and his encounter with an Abenaki Indian named Stands Straight.
For headline news from today's date during the Revolutionary War days, Archiving Early America offers "up-to-the-minute" news as well as on-line viewing of original colonial documents.
General information about colonial newspapers, along with an audio and print library, are available from the History Buff site.
We are always looking for books that offer good source material on Colonial homes, art, cooking, or lifestyle. Homebuilding and Woodworking in Colonial America offers a wealth of detail on how colonial settlers built their homes. It includes pictures of the tools they used. The Amazon.com customer review says, "You will not be able to put this book down! The incredible richness of the information and the quality of both the pen and ink drawings and the narative are outstanding."
describes the trades that supported the colonies.
is described as some reviewers as a great addition to anyone's library for providing details on American colonial life.
provides information on the homes of people living at the time of the Revolutionary War.
has projects and games for kids (best for kids in 3rd through 5th grade)to illustrate the same activities done by Colonial kids.
