Colonial Dames and Good Wives. 1895

Colonial Dames and Good Wives is a book by Alice Morse Earle, published in 1895. It is a collection of essays on the lives of women in colonial America. Earle focuses on the everyday lives of these women, from their work in the home to their involvement in community affairs. She also discusses their role in the American Revolution.

The book is divided into four parts:

"The Goodwife of Old New England"
"The Colonial Dame"
"The Daughters of Liberty"
"The Women of the Revolution"

In the first part, Earle discusses the role of women in the household. She describes their work as cooks, cleaners, and seamstresses. She also discusses their role in raising children and caring for the sick.

In the second part, Earle discusses the role of women in society. She discusses their involvement in church and community affairs, as well as their role in education and charity.

In the third part, Earle discusses the role of women in the American Revolution. She describes their contributions as nurses, spies, and fundraisers.

In the fourth part, Earle discusses the lives of women after the Revolution. She discusses their role in the new republic, as well as their continued involvement in community affairs.

Colonial Dames and Good Wives is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of women in colonial America. It is a well-researched and well-written book that provides a glimpse into the lives of these women.

Here are some of the things that Earle discusses in the book:

The importance of women's work in the home
The role of women in community affairs
The involvement of women in the American Revolution
The challenges faced by women in colonial America
The contributions of women to the development of the United States

The book is based on Earle's extensive research in primary sources, such as diaries, letters, and court records. She also drew on her own knowledge of colonial life, as she was a descendant of several colonial families.

Colonial Dames and Good Wives was a popular book when it was first published. It has been praised for its historical accuracy and its insights into the lives of colonial women. It remains an important resource for anyone interested in this period of American history.