338 pp. "Discusses the history and lore of the two New England states and cities significant developments that have contributed to their economic and political progress." "...written by a native New Englander, this pleasant book is both an informal history and a nostalgic character-study of the two states forming the backbone of the ""Yankee Kingdom"" --Vermont and New Hampshire. Drawing largely on contemporary records and regional accounts, the author writes of the climate and geography of his two states, of Indians and early settlers, explorers, housewives, criminals and preachers, and of men such as Robert Rogers, Ethan Allon, Daniel Webster and others; he tells of the religious movements, in particular the Shakers and Christian Science, that arose in the 1800's, and of today's politics, colleges and ski-runs, and of once populous communities emptied by migration and now being repopulated by new settlers from modern cities. Carefully documented, written with humor and restraint, this readable book will find its greatest appeal among dwellers in New Hampshire and Vermont and those non-residents who know and love New England; both by reason of content and its excellent bibliography it is a valuable addition to the shelves of American regional history."
