Home Life in Colonial Days by Alice Morse Earle offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of early American settlers. Through meticulous research and thorough documentation, Earle paints a vivid picture of the challenges and joys experienced by colonial families as they navigated the hardships of everyday life.

From food preparation and housekeeping to child-rearing and social customs, the author leaves no stone unturned in her exploration of the domestic sphere in colonial America. She sheds light on the importance of religion, education, and community in shaping the values and practices of the early American home.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Earle's attention to detail, which brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of colonial households. Readers will find themselves transported back in time, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of a bygone era.

Overall, Home Life in Colonial Days is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the daily lives of early American settlers. It is a well-researched and engaging read that sheds light on the complexities and nuances of colonial domesticity. Highly recommended for history buffs and enthusiasts of early American culture.

Book Description:
CHAPTER I HOMES OF THE COLONISTS When the first settlers landed on American shores, the difficulties in finding or making shelter must have seemed ironical as well as almost unbearable. The colonists found a land magnificent with forest trees of every size and variety, but they had no sawmills, and few saws to cut boards; there was plenty of clay and ample limestone on every side, yet they could have no brick and no mortar; grand boulders of granite and rock were everywhere, yet there was not a single facility for cutting, drawing, or using stone. These homeless men, so sorely in need of immediate shelter, were baffled by pioneer conditions, and had to turn to many poor expedients, and be satisfied with rude covering. In Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and, possibly, other states, some reverted to an ancient form of shelter: they became cave-dwellers; caves were dug ... (taken from first chapter of the book). Talk about starting from scratch!! Susan Morin