The initial volume of what will become a multi-volume social history of the United States, this book treats the transmission of English culture to America. Fischer argues that during the period 1629 to 1775 the United States was settled by four large waves of English-speaking immigrants from different parts of Britain. These groups had many qualities in common; but what Fischer is more concerned with is how they differed from each other in `their unique folkways' and how these folkways were transferred to America and became the basis for regional differences that have persisted to some degree down to the present. Among these were: different dialects of English; different ways of building houses, naming children, and doing much of the ordinary business of life; different customs of courtship and marriage, ways of rearing children, and customs of inheritance; different forms of music and religion; different styles of food, dress, sports, work, and wealth; and four distinct and even contradictory conceptions of liberty.

About the Author
Author of Growing Old in America (OUP/USA 1977)

Reviews
'Professor Fischer has written a major book, which cannot be ignored.' Jonathan Clark, The Times
'a monumental work ... an all-round cultural history ... an enjoyable read ... very good value' Local Population Studies, No.46, Spring 1991
'there is a vast documentation, including details on speech and even food patterns; and the book, despite its weight, is easy reading ... this is an impressive and scholarly beginning' Esmond Wright, Contemporary Review
`Fischer's is a striking and distinctive vision. He has gathered information (and allies - e.g., W.D. Burnham) almost promiscuously; he has certainly put his visiting professorships at Oxford to excellent use (much intriguing English manuscript material is cited).' Journal of American Studies
`The author undoubtedly develops his theme with vigour and enthusiasm. Aided by graduate students from his own university, Brandeis, he has ransacked all sorts of interesting sources, both quantitative and qualitative. His text is enhanced by well-designed maps, graphs, tables, charts and line drawings ... historians will find much useful material in Albion's Seed.' Social History
'To attempt a social cultural history of the US in four volumes is a brave if not original venture ... the book, despite its weight, is easy reading ... this is an impressive and scholarly beginning.' Esmond Wright, Contemporary Review, Apr '91



Book Information
ISBN 9780195037944
Author David Hackett Fischer
Format Hardback
Page Count 970
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1524g
Dimensions(mm) 166mm * 243mm * 54mm