Islands of Maine: Where America Really Began

Rating:
Summary: A nice introduction to regional history
Review: Although less comprehensive than the McLane's definitive series, and less ecological than Phil Conkling's Islands In Time, Caldwell's book fills in a gap for the lay reader in introducing us to the early English settlements and exploration of coastal Maine. Written by someone with a clear love for cruising the Archipelago, one gets some nice vignettes of particular islands that leave one hungry for more. There are also many good stories here that are worth repeating, and some lovely pictures drawn from a variety of sources that capture different aspects of the coast. Caldwell is to be complemented on his cheerful breezy style that keeps one interested from start to finish, and makes on reach for the chart to see how one can follow his wake in summers to come. I find that I have accumulated several editions of Caldwell & make sure to keep them close to hand, at the college, at home, and on the boat.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding read and resource
Review: I read this book while joining my students on a two week-long kayaking expedition along the coast of Maine. After our guide recommended the book and I couldn't put it down. A great read for a novice to the Maine coast who wants to get a good feel for the history and culture of the islands. Best when read while traveling from island to island! The author is a bit biased towards the state of Maine, as the reader will note is the opening chapter. However, after spending some time there, I can understand why! Enjoy!!!

Rating:
Summary: Reveals the islands as the first settlers saw them
Review: What was one day to become the United States of America began with the first European explorers arriving on the islands off the Maine coast in their search for a passage to Cathay and East Indian wealth, and continuing with small European fishing boats arriving to ply the waters off the coast of Maine. In Islands Of Maine: Where America Really Began, the late newspaper columnist Bill Caldwell examines the original Mainers, the Native Americans. Then surveys the first European settlements, founded long before the colony at Jamestown or the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims. Rich in lively anecdotes, and ranging from Casco Bay to Penobscot Bay, Caldwell reveals the islands as the first settlers saw them and how these islands transformed into flourishing trade hubs, fishing harbors, and tourist destinations. From the Vikings of a thousand years ago down to life in the 1980s, Islands Of Maine is a fascinating, informative, enthusiastically recommended regional American history.