Title
A New England Town : The First Hundred Years : Dedham, Massachusetts, 16361736 (Norton Essays in American History),Used
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In his highly original and controversial study. Professor Lockridge traces the origins of Dedham, Massachusetts, carefully examining its establishment as a utopia in 1636, the changes that occurred during the first four generations of its settlement, and the kind of community it had become by the mideighteenth century.The colonial New England Town is one of the myths of American history, along with such others as George Washington and the Cherry Tree and The Frontier. They are difficult to shatter, for they perpetuate the popular belief that the nation has always enjoyed universal democracy, honesty, and opportunity. The New England Town, however, deserves more than a mythical place in American history. In this industrial village society, the unique American experience had its beginnings.In his highly original and controversial study. Professor Lockridge traces the origins of Dedham, Massachusetts, carefully examining its establishment as a utopia in 1636, the changes that occurred during the first four generations of its settlement, and the kind of community it had become by the mideighteenth century. In bringing to life this peculiarly American town he creates a view of all New England towns, so vital to an understanding of how the American character and society were shaped. He also gives answers to the basic questions shrouded by the myths: Was the New England Town democratic? Was it equalitarian? Was opportunity great? was society mobile? was it static or dynamic? Who had power, and who wanted it? In examining these questions Professor Lockridge has gone to the heart of the controversy surrounding the New England Town experience, finding some truth, and not a little irony, in the myth.This enlarged edition includes an updated bibliography and an afterword in which Lockridge addresses two questions about the story of Dedham: What does it tell us about the impulses that led to American independence? The answers to these questions suggest the connections between the 'new' social history and the broad political themes of the revolutionary period.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'A New England Town' by Kenneth A. Lockridge? A: The book examines the origins and development of Dedham, Massachusetts, as a colonial New England town, exploring its establishment as a utopia in 1636 and the changes over the first four generations, ultimately analyzing its role in shaping American society.
- Q: Is this book suitable for understanding American history? A: Yes, the book provides valuable insights into the myths surrounding New England towns and offers a nuanced view of their contributions to American history, making it suitable for readers interested in historical analysis.
- Q: What type of binding does this edition of the book have? A: This edition of 'A New England Town' is a paperback, making it portable and easy to handle for readers.
- Q: How many pages are in 'A New England Town'? A: The book contains a total of 238 pages, providing a comprehensive look at Dedham's history and its implications for understanding American culture.
- Q: When was 'A New England Town' published? A: The book was published on August 17, 1985, and includes an expanded edition with an updated bibliography.
- Q: Who is the author of 'A New England Town'? A: The author of the book is Kenneth A. Lockridge, a scholar who offers a critical examination of Dedham's historical significance.
- Q: What additional content is included in the expanded edition? A: The expanded edition includes an updated bibliography and an afterword addressing key questions about Dedham's story and its connections to American independence.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The item is listed as being in 'Good' condition, indicating it should have minimal wear and be suitable for reading.
- Q: Does the book address the democratic nature of New England towns? A: Yes, the book explores fundamental questions about democracy, equality, and social mobility within the context of New England towns, challenging common myths.
- Q: What themes does the book cover in relation to American character and society? A: The book delves into themes of community identity, power dynamics, and the historical context that shaped the American character, offering a critical perspective on societal development.