This two-volume series takes the reader on a journey through the colonies of Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Carolina, and Georgia. The charm of the journey is in its variety, as the reader passes through communities of such striking individuality that they assume the character of different nations. Each colony has a set of opinions and laws peculiar to itself, and it is not uncommon to find the laws of one in contradiction with the laws of another. This text explores the settlement and history of each colony prior to the American Revolution. Topics include development of the colonies' government, laws, religion, schools, boundaries, industries, layout of the cities, fashions, homes, social activities, slavery, architecture, interaction with the Indians, and customs. At least one prominent person from each colony is discussed, amongst them, William Penn of Pennsylvania, John Smith of Virginia, George Calvert of Maryland, and General Oglethorpe of Georgia. Volume Two contains a full name and subject index for both volumes.