I love the 4th of July. No, not because of hot dogs, watermelons, and fireworks, although those are certainly lovely, but because I believe the founding of our country was miraculous and of tremendous import to both future Americans and numerous others of the world. I do not believe this to be jingoism on my … Continue reading Independence Day and Abigail
Category: Early American History
Natick, MA; Peabody Sisters; and Missing Books
Charles River in Natick A home in Natick. “What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance.” ~Jane Austen Summer has come back with a vengeance here in our part of Texas after a cool, fall respite. Well, it hasn’t spread its 100+ temperatures around again—yet, but that tantalizing … Continue reading Natick, MA; Peabody Sisters; and Missing Books
Longfellow and Emerson as “Historians”
North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. Minute Man Monument dedicated in 1837 (far side). I readily admit it. I am a patriot. I do not pretend to be an historian but do enjoy American (United States) History. In particular, I relish the colonial and revolutionary periods as well as the early days of our republic. I … Continue reading Longfellow and Emerson as “Historians”
Autumn, Concord, and Transcendentalism
WALDEN POND Ah. Autumn is in the air, so, of course, I am sipping coffee and eating candy pumpkins. We’ve had rain of late and much cooler weather—no 100-degree temperatures in sight for at least a week now. When I think of autumn, I begin to think of the glories of New England where the … Continue reading Autumn, Concord, and Transcendentalism
LOUISA: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MRS. ADAMS
Thomas, Louisa. Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams 2016. 500 pp. Penguin Press ISBN 9781594204630 In this biography of Mrs. John Quincy Adams, Louisa Thomas provides a front-seat, panoramic view of world-changing history within the scope of a woman’s personal story, a woman with hopes and dreams and, yet, a destiny, perhaps, she would … Continue reading LOUISA: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MRS. ADAMS