⋙ Download A New World An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec Arthur Quinn 9780425149560 Books

A New World An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec Arthur Quinn 9780425149560 Books

Download As PDF : A New World An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec Arthur Quinn 9780425149560 Books

A New World An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec Arthur Quinn 9780425149560 Books

This is not a normal history book, but a series of biographies on prominent North American colonists. And instead of each biography being written like a matter-of-fact history, they're written as narratives. So it feels like you're reading fiction short stories, but each one is historically accurate. I liked how in some chapters the author gives background information and includes other groups or individuals as supporting characters, e.g. the chapter on William Bradford is also a history of the Pilgrims, some of their prominent leaders, as well as Squanto and other Indians they encounter. The book features both British and French colonists, and the last 3 chapters focus on the French and Indian War, the climax of colonial history before you get into the Revolutionary period.
The colonists featured are:
-John Smith
-Samuel de Champlain
-William Bradford
-John Winthrop
-Saint Jean de Brebeuf
-Peter Stuyvesant
-Nathanial Bacon
-Louis de Buade Comte de Frontenac
-William Penn
-Louis-Joseph de Montcalm
-There are also 2 chapters on the French and Indian War that have so many people in them that it's hard to call them biographies.

I gave it 4 stars because it's very good, but not a definitive work. For the first time I saw colonial history through the eyes of other human beings, not just as facts listed on a page. I appreciated the British-French mix even though I wasn't expecting it, and all in all it gave me a deeper and more personal understanding of colonial history.


Tags : A New World: An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec [Arthur Quinn] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Tells the early history of North America through the points of view of John Smith, Samuel Champlain, William Bradford,Arthur Quinn,A New World: An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec,Berkley Trade,0425149560,United States - General,Canada;History;To 1763 (New France),United States;History;1600-1775, Colonial period,United States;History;Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775.,1600-1775, Colonial period,Canada,Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775,GENERAL,General Adult,HISTORY United States General,History,History - General History,HistoryAmerican,History: American,Non-Fiction,To 1763 (New France),United States,United States - Colonial Period

A New World An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec Arthur Quinn 9780425149560 Books Reviews

After reading this book one thing is certain Quinn is a rare find, an author whose prose is as beautifually artistic as it is factual. Quinn narrates the colonization of eastern North America from the founding of Jamestown until the fall of Quebec (roughly 1580-1760) by telling the tale of a central citizen from 12 different settlements. What makes this book so amazing is that it reads like a page-turning piece of popular fiction without compromising historic detail in the least. Furthermore, Quinn often provides thoughtful insights which add significant analysis to his historical narrative. This is a must-buy for anyone interested in the colonial era, and highly recommended for anyone who simply loves good books.
Arthur Quinn's wonderful work, "A New World," puts you into the shoes, and more importantly, the heads, of the movers and shakers of the colonial world. From a modern perspective, the behavior of our colonial forebears is often perplexing and sometimes downright criminal. Why did the Plymouth Pilgrims see the decimation of the Pawtuxet as Divine Providence, instead of a horrific tragedy? Why did French and English colonists treat the natives so differently? Quinn's treatment of these and other issues are unparalleled. Instead of providing a detailed chronology of events, Quinn emphasizes sociological context and individual perspective. Plenty of good history books can tell you what happened; "A New World" explains why. This can be a rough ride (Quinn is no apologist), but like the best roller coasters, "A New World" is well worth the trip.
Arthur Quinn's "A New World" is a must-read for any student of early American history and a should-read for fans of entertaining tales.
While undeniably a history, Quinn's effort is sure to disappoint anyone who is looking for a comprehensive treatment of colonial America, anything approaching dates, figures, and similar hard data. Quinn endeavors to tell a story rather than offer a definitive analysis. This is the kind of history that is best savored in a comfortable armchair with your favorite beverage, not at a desk with a notepad.
Certain passages sweep the reader away -- the majestic falls near Quebec, the horrific torture of a mighty Indian warrior, the crotchety character of the Acadians, and on and on . . . Quinn brings this murky period of American history to life in a unique fashion that can only serve to heighten the reader's interest in learning more.
Like anyone who attempts to tell a gripping tale, Quinn abandons historical analysis in favor of grand storytelling. This is a different type of history. However, by bringing the era to life and giving the reader characters and events to care about, Quinn can do more to engender a deep desire to learn more about colonial America than dry, hyper-accurate historical treatments of the era that might provide more pure "data" than Quinn.
Check this book out -- you'll be glad you did.
I love history books and this one is the best. Let's not quibble about details of accuracy; the author understands that any history is a creation. He understands something much more important and that is the constancy of human nature and the horrible dualism of a creature which must pretend it is an angel while acting like the devil.
This is not a normal history book, but a series of biographies on prominent North American colonists. And instead of each biography being written like a matter-of-fact history, they're written as narratives. So it feels like you're reading fiction short stories, but each one is historically accurate. I liked how in some chapters the author gives background information and includes other groups or individuals as supporting characters, e.g. the chapter on William Bradford is also a history of the Pilgrims, some of their prominent leaders, as well as Squanto and other Indians they encounter. The book features both British and French colonists, and the last 3 chapters focus on the French and Indian War, the climax of colonial history before you get into the Revolutionary period.
The colonists featured are
-John Smith
-Samuel de Champlain
-William Bradford
-John Winthrop
-Saint Jean de Brebeuf
-Peter Stuyvesant
-Nathanial Bacon
-Louis de Buade Comte de Frontenac
-William Penn
-Louis-Joseph de Montcalm
-There are also 2 chapters on the French and Indian War that have so many people in them that it's hard to call them biographies.

I gave it 4 stars because it's very good, but not a definitive work. For the first time I saw colonial history through the eyes of other human beings, not just as facts listed on a page. I appreciated the British-French mix even though I wasn't expecting it, and all in all it gave me a deeper and more personal understanding of colonial history.