Massachusetts Books

Jonathan Edwards was without a doubt the greatest theologian America ever produced. That he was also without a doubt the greatest philosopher colonial America ever produced shows what theology was once upon a time in America. Obsessed with returning American churches to its more devout Calvinist roots, Edwards began the Great Awakening in America, only to find himself cast out of his own pulpit for daring to challenge the social order of his church. Edwards deeply investigated the concept of free will, reconciling it as no other theologian had with the doctrines of predestination and divine omnipotence. But Edwards was also a figure of the Enlightenment, and applied Locke's rationalist doctrine of the senses to his preaching style, creating almost singlehandedly the fire-and-brimstone approach used to this day to terrify poor sinners into repentance. Perry Miller, the twentieth century's most dominant American intellectual historian, here explicates the life of Jonathan Edwards as no one has before or since: on the merit of his ideas. Miller was an atheist who spent his life studying American religious movements; this was one of his finest works. Not to be missed by anyone interested in the history of American religion or philosophy.

A great read for anyone interested in the innerworkings of the Army of the Potomac. Dyer served closely with Gens. Hancock, Gibbon, Hooker, and Howard, giving pesonal insight to these men. He also goes into the lives to the fighing soldier in great detail. Being a top-notch surgeon, the men are always on the forefront of his mind. Dyer works tirelessly for the care and well being of the men. He is especially interested in making sure the men get vegetables, as Dyer is recognized as the first to realize that scurvy is a major problem in the Army. Perfect for anyone interested in how the medical corp oppereated from battlefield care, to the ambulence corp, to division hospitals up to to the large hospitals of the north. Tactfully edited by Chesson.

This book is simply enchanting! Nan Turner Waldron stayed at the outermost house for 16 years before writing this book. The book tells the story of naturalist Henry Beston and how he built the "Fo'c'sle" (as it was nick named) on the great beach of Cape Cod. The magic of the area worked it's spell on her and a quote form the book best sums it up, "I believe that being close to the natural environment inspires a quest, perhaps inherent in Man, to understand human nature." The blizzard of 1978 took the little house out to sea but luckily for us Ms. Waldron's book will allow it to live on. I was so moved by the book that I actually purchased the blueprints (order form found in the back)! This book is a must read!

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to college, Dr. Gregg shows you otherwise. The story is filled with all of the foibles of humanity and a few more reserved for college administrators. Things happen fast, once they are started. You won't want to put the book down. There is murder, drug dealing, gangs, mob activity, larceny, lust - another words, something for everyone.

This book helped me very much to prepare for the 8th grade MCAS. I did very well on the 8th grade MCAS by using this book. This book is an excellent book for students who are going to take the 8th grade MCAS.

Carol,

This paragraph from your book got my attention because it affirms that discovering one's life purpose is important, even affecting courtship. One of my favorite stories about Stretch and Joan is about how Stretch read his mission and vision statement for life to Joan early in their relationship, which she says helped her start falling in love with him. The "requisites" listed in the statement cited below also serve as inspiration for one's personal vision in a plan for life,which can help anyone with inspiration and guidance.

"The essential requisites in a companion that are necessary to insure happiness and a life of devotion are to be found in strength of character, a healthy body, a judicious head, a loving heart, all brought into attune with a high and holy life purpose." [Page 31, Keeping Hearth and Home in Old Alabama, by Dr. Carol Padgett citing wisdom published in 1872].

Thanks for your book, which provided inspirational Sunday morning reading.

David Dyson
Dyson Institute

A collection of revealing biographical essays on Boston's most famous and notorious politicians, largely from the first half of the 20th century. Great fun.

A useful, practical guide to labor and employment laws in Massachusetts.

While researching handmade laces of the eighteenth century for a grad-school project, I came across a small reference to Ipswich laces in an article from the early part of the twentieth century. I was totally intrigued by the idea of there being a handmade lace industry in New England. I had previously believed everyone was too puritanical to make lace (in seventeenth-century Massachusetts, there was a prohibition on the wearing of laces.) Further research led me to this fascinating little book.
The author clearly has a passion for the subject, and she follows that up with some very good research on multiple aspects of the industry, the society at large, the women who made the laces, the women who wore them, as well as the identification and characteristics of the various types of laces made there. She includes primary source documents (a report on the industry in Alexander Hamilton's papers, as well as original receipts and account books) , visual sources (portraits), and lots of original artifacts ( pillows, prickings, bobbins, finished laces, and surviving garments on which they were used.)
Definitely worth reading by anyone interested in American history, textile and fashion history, and lace and lace-making enthusiasts.
Well done!

Mr. Kattelle and Mr. Halprin take you back in time to where America remembers it's neighborhood resorts. Like the Catskills and Adirondacks of old, Images of America Lake Boon recalls a simpler time of leisure. Where being together in a magical place in a magical summer time is all we ever longed for. The images are wonderful. From the boat parades of 50 years ago, to ice fishermen and the oddest fun events that entertained folks of all ages. If your a "old times" buff, this book is for you. Lake Boon MA is a jewel just 30 miles from Boston.