68 pages 2 hours read

Alan Taylor

American Colonies: The Settling of North America

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

American Colonies by Alan Taylor is the first volume of the Penguin History of the United States series, offering a pluralistic survey of the history of the Americas from the earliest Paleolithic settlements up to 19th-century Pacific exploration. Taylor examines the multifaceted process of colonization involving Europeans, Indigenous peoples, and Africans, highlighting their interactions and the resulting composite culture. The book’s 19 chapters provide broad overviews of different colonial regions and their development through a chronological narrative, framed by recent historiography and a focus on environmental history, ethnohistory, and an Atlantic perspective. The history is inclusive of various European powers, including the Spanish, French, Dutch, and English, and explores the economic, cultural, and social transformations that shaped early North America. The book addresses themes of colonization, slavery, and cultural exchange.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Alan Taylor’s American Colonies is celebrated for its comprehensive and nuanced exploration of early American history, stretching from pre-Columbian times to the eve of the Revolution. Critics commend Taylor's inclusive perspective, though some find the breadth overwhelming and the numerous details occasionally cumbersome. Overall, it’s praised for its depth and scholarly rigor.

Who should read this

Who Should Read American Colonies?

Readers who enjoy American Colonies by Alan Taylor are history enthusiasts and academics interested in the diverse narratives of early American history. The book appeals to those who appreciate detailed, multidimensional perspectives akin to Jill Lepore's The Name of War and Bernard Bailyn's The Barbarous Years.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Education

History: World

Period

Colonial America

American Revolution

Genre

Education

American Literature