In 1663; an indentured servant; Anne Orthwood; was impregnated with twins in a tavern in Northampton County; Virginia. Orthwood died soon after giving birth; one of the twins; Jasper; survived. Orthwood's illegitimate pregnancy sparked four related cases that came before the Northampton magistrates -- who coincidentally held court in the same tavern -- between 1664 and 1686. These interrelated cases and the decisions rendered in them are notable for the ways in which the Virginia colonists modified English common law traditions and began to create their own; as well as what they reveal about cultural and economic values in an Eastern shore community. Through these cases; the very reasons legal systems are created are revealed; namely; the maintenance of social order; the protection of property interests; the protection of personal reputation; and personal liberty. Through Jasper Orthwood's life; the treatment of the poor in small communities is set in sharp relief. Anne Orthwood's Bastard was the winner of the 2003 Prize in Atlantic History; American Historical Association.
#958941 in Books 2003-08-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .80 x 10.10l; 1.74 #File Name: 0195132246208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This series is an engaging look into the period the ...By KBThis series is an engaging look into the period the title covers. Using first-person documents helps understand how the people of that time period felt; giving a much more thorough view of history than a regular school history book can.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. America's universal heartbeat in primary sourcesBy HHBullock's book vividly illustrates the American Revolution through a collection of fascinating primary documents. Bullock explores the colonies' break with Great Britain; the resulting war to gain independence; and the struggle to create a successful government for the new United States. Included are such documents as Paine's "Common Sense"; the Declaration of Independence; diaries; newspaper debates; slave petitions; and a wonderful pictorial essay on Paul Revere. A very good book for junior history buffs; especially visual learners!
