Sunday, February 17, 2008

American Colonies

Today, I am reading:
by Alan Taylor
One West Country leader concluded that "nothing but fear and force can teach duty and obedience to such rebellious people." Treating the Irish as treacherous beasts, the English waged a war of terror and intimidation, executing prisoners by the hundred, including women and children. The English commander Sir Humphrey Gilbert decorated the path leading to his tent with human heads.

It's basically a chronological survey, which can be a bit tedious, but it's actually fairly good. I'm getting a review of elementary facts, which is always useful. Plus, I'm trying to think about how I might use this book with my own students someday, as I will undoubtedly teach a class called "America Before 1865" at some point in my academic career.

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