This reprint of the revised 1881 edition of A Short History of the English Colonies in America, a recognized classic of American history, should perk the interest of more than just a few enthusiasts. Written by Henry Cabot Lodge, who later served as senator from the state of Massachusetts for thirty-one years, this history is the definition of clarity and consistency. Originally conceived as a handbook to the American colonies up to their unification, this book combines both social and political history into one volume. Each colony is treated individually, with two chapters apiece; one chapter is devoted to the political history of the colony from its foundation up to 1765, the year of the meeting of the Stamp Act Congress in New York, and the other chapter deals with the lives, habits, thoughts, customs and manners of the residents of each colony during the year 1765. After all the colonies have been reviewed in this manner, the main body of the book is concluded with three concise chapters dealing with the Revolution. Following these is an appendix containing chronological tables delineating important historical events for each colony through 1765, and for the united colonies up to 1782 when peace was declared. Filled with a large array of facts and blessed with clear writing and superior organization, this history of the colonies is a true classic of American literature.