In this pioneering study of the ways in which the first settlers defined the power; prerogatives; and responsibilities of the sexes; one of our most incisive historians opens a window onto the world of Colonial America. Drawing on a wealth of contemporary documents; Mary Beth Norton tells the story of the Pinion clan; whose two-generation record of theft; adultery; and infanticide may have made them our first dysfunctional family. She reopens the case of Mistress Ann Hibbens; whose church excommunicated her for arguing that God had told husbands to listen to their wives. And here is the enigma of Thomas; or Thomasine Hall; who lived comfortably as both a man and a woman in 17th century Virginia. Wonderfully erudite and vastly readable; Founding Mothers Fathers reveals both the philosophical assumptions and intimate domestic arrangements of our colonial ancestors in all their rigor; strangeness; and unruly passion."An important; imaginative book. Norton destroys our nostalgic image of a 'golden age' of family life and re-creates a more complex past whose assumptions and anxieties are still with us."--Raleigh News and Observer
#16358 in Books Vintage 1990-02-17 1990-02-17Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.16 x 1.55 x 6.06l; 2.60 #File Name: 0679729453960 pagesVintage
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Larger than Life Book about a Larger than Life ManBy A Southern ReaderThis book about the first years of LBJ's political life is nothing if not thorough. A lot of pages and a lot of interesting information about a man who while certainly flawed in many ways ended up doing a lot of good as President. Caro's research is exhaustive. In fact; maybe too much. I found myself skimming a bit when he repeated several times stories to illustrate a point. I bought the second volume when I bought this first volume; but don't plan to begin the second volume any time soon. A break is needed. That said; I do plan to continue the 4 volume series and certainly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys biographies in general; but political bios in particular.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely beautifully written; everything you need to know what a flawed Don Quijote better than noneBy Candace DrimmerHard to put down; which given it is a detailed history of LBJ and Texas is amazing. And terrifying of why the little people like me; get smashed by the financially powerful.Having done time in a 1960s Houston middle and high schools ( in the days when the schools educated); I was given a solid history education. This book has expanded it to understand whence LBJ came; and why populism will rise again.As I read the chapters on electricity on the farm from my home in the city of Chicago that looks out on Soldier Field; I now understand why the major company that sells our neighborhood Internet service refuses to install fiber optics. Good old copper cable good enough for us they said; with its max 13.6 MBPS.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Book ReviewBy ForevermoreIn light of the new PBS “Vietnamâ€; I am re-reading the 4 volume set of Robert Caro’s LBJ biographies to gain a better perspective of LBJ and the politics of the years before Vietnam.Mr. Caro does an exhaustive amount of research for all of his books. He writes with polish; providing the reader with not only intricate details but also in a style that is relatively easy to understand.I say that I am re-reading this first book because I read it 5 years ago and many of the details have faded for me; so I’m back at it again and enjoying every page.I look forward to the publication of the 5th volume of this series; as Mr. Caro continues his research. The 5th volume will hopefully have a lot of “meat†in it.
