Our Own Snug Fireside: Images of the New England Home 1760-1860

Rating:
Summary: Poorly done, insufficient evidence...
Review: Nylander's semi-biographical book on New England women's history is problematic for many reasons. Firstly, she carries the brunt of her argument on insufficient evidence...only four diaries. In a region that's rich with historical documentation, she should easily have been able to find more evidence. Secondly, Nylander systematically ignores issues of class or race, instead depicting a very rosy image of white upper class women as representative of all women in this time period. At the very least, Nylander should have been more forward about her intended focus.

Rating:
Summary: Poorly done, insufficient evidence...
Review: Nylander's semi-biographical book on New England women's history is problematic for many reasons. Firstly, she carries the brunt of her argument on insufficient evidence...only four diaries. In a region that's rich with historical documentation, she should easily have been able to find more evidence. Secondly, Nylander systematically ignores issues of class or race, instead depicting a very rosy image of white upper class women as representative of all women in this time period. At the very least, Nylander should have been more forward about her intended focus.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book portraying everyday life in New England.
Review: This wonderfully written book uses diaries, letters, and a wealth of material culture evidence to portray everyday life in nineteenth-century New England. Nylander manages to bring the past alive for both the lay reader and the material culture student. A must for scholars of New England's past.