Cultural life of the American colonies

In this exciting account of ideas, man ners, and institutions in colonial times, Dr. Wright examines both ends of the social spectrum-the aristocrats and the ordinary folk-and discusses their cul tural interests and achievements in terms of their opportunity, social status, na. tional origins, and geography While the role of the great families is appropriately emphasized, he removes a good deal of the glamour from the colonial South, treats the New England Puritans with refreshing objectivity, and provides illu minating insights into the new aristoc racy of trade. The reader is given a new look at the religious and educational institutions, a fresh appraisal of its men of science, painters, architects, and lit erary figures, and a re-evaluation of the contributions made by colonists of other than-English origin.

Dr. Wright incorporates in his findings the results of the latest scholarship. Con cerned here with how the colonists lived, earned a living, and enriched their lives, his is a moving, human, and immensely sympathetic book-a classic in the field of colonial thought and culture.

This book, complete in itself, is one of a number to appear under the general title The New American Nation Series. For a description of the project, and for a list of the titles already published, see the back of the jacket.