[Pharmboy]

This is a review of Before the Revolution: America's Ancient Pasts
By Daniel K. Richter
Harvard/Belknap Press, 502 pages, $35

I read the Taylor book "American Colonies" a few years ago and learned something new just about every page...and, it was a fairly easy read. For me, the most interesting pasrts of that book was the history of California.

I look forward to reading this new one...

[Pharmboy]

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list...

[loveliberty2]

For a revealing synopsis of the amazing progress, economic and otherwise, which already had taken place in America prior to 1776, a reading of Burke's 1775 "Speech on Conciliation . . . " is enlightening.

Burke observes the "spirit of liberty" which is alive and well in the colonies, along with the obvious fact that their achievements outstrip those of the "Old World."

Frothingham's "Rise of the Republic of the United States" also couches the events of 1776 and 1787 in the rich ideas of liberty which existed and were being practiced among the colonists prior to the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Both of these works provide background for the work described in this article, for all who wish to pursue them.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Sounds very good. Thanks for the ping.

[goodnesswins]

Thanks so much....adding to my reading list!

[woweeitsme]

ping

[colorado tanker]

Thanks, I saw this in the WSJ and it looks really interesting.

I agree with the observation about the importance of the West Indies to the British. The trade in slaves and sugar was one of the foundations of the wealth of the City of London, along with the India trade. And London is still Europe's financial center.