A New World: An Epic of Colonial America from the Founding of Jamestown to the Fall of Quebec

by Arthur Quinn

Book Overview

Historian Quinn brilliantly captures a nation in the making with this ambitious and honest account of colonial America. He challenges conventional historical narrative and allows readers to experience America's tumultuous beginnings with an unparalleled sense of immediacy and drama. A New World intrigues, surprises, and informs in a way that is both rare and rewarding.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425149560
• ISBN13: 9780425149560
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 532 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

History as Epic; Not Intended to Substitute for Textbook

Arthur Quinn's "A New World" is a must-read for any student of early American history and a should-read for fans of entertaining tales.While undeniably a history, Quinn's effort is sure to disappoint anyone who is looking for a comprehensive treatment of colonial America, anything approaching dates, figures, and similar hard data. Quinn endeavors to tell a story rather than offer a definitive analysis. This is the kind of history that is best savored in a comfortable armchair with your favorite beverage, not at a desk with a notepad. Certain passages sweep the reader away -- the majestic falls near Quebec, the horrific torture of a mighty Indian warrior, the crotchety character of the Acadians, and on and on . . . Quinn brings this murky period of American history to life in a unique fashion that can only serve to heighten the reader's interest in learning more. Like anyone who attempts to tell a gripping tale, Quinn abandons historical analysis in favor of grand storytelling. This is a different type of history. However, by bringing the era to life and giving the reader characters and events to care about, Quinn can do more to engender a deep desire to learn more about colonial America than dry, hyper-accurate historical treatments of the era that might provide more pure "data" than Quinn. Check this book out -- you'll be glad you did.

Great Story Telling

Arthur Quinn loves America and American History. No, he doesn't say this anywhere in his book, "A New World", but his passion is obvious to anyone who reads this book. The pages are filled with his excitement which will draw in almost any reader, even those who normally do not like history. Better still, for those of us who do enjoy history, Quinn details portions of American History rarely covered in school or in other books. The two things I liked best about A New World was Quinn's awareness of the times and his details about its people. Usually when we study or read about American History, it is in a void. Quinn is the first writer I have read who talks about how Machavilli influenced John Smith. John Smith, always a boring figure of the past, now seems like a wild adventurer to me. Quinn also talks about Indian savagery. I never really appreciated why the Colonists had such fears or anger towards them. Our politically correct schools always teach us how Colonists took our land from others. I have never in school how some Indians tortured soliders so much before a battle, that the European troops gave up out of fear. Or how these same Indians would take a stick and slowly work it up the bone of a person from his hand to his shoulder. Not counting the constant war between some Indian Tribes and the colonist, these stories helped me understand the attitudes of those times much better.After Barbara Tuchman's, The Guns of August, this is probably the best history work I have read. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Quinn. If you haven't read him yet, this book is a very good place to start.

This is how History should be written

After reading this book one thing is certain: Quinn is a rare find, an author whose prose is as beautifually artistic as it is factual. Quinn narrates the colonization of eastern North America from the founding of Jamestown until the fall of Quebec (roughly 1580-1760) by telling the tale of a central citizen from 12 different settlements. What makes this book so amazing is that it reads like a page-turning piece of popular fiction without compromising historic detail in the least. Furthermore, Quinn often provides thoughtful insights which add significant analysis to his historical narrative. This is a must-buy for anyone interested in the colonial era, and highly recommended for anyone who simply loves good books.

An Incredible Journey to the early Colonies

Definitely a must-read book for anyone interested in the history of the Northeast, Ontario, and Quebec. A broad yet detailed story of the various men (Colonists, Natives, Religious Leaders, and Governors) who shaped the beginnings of these states/provinces and the 2 countries which were soon to follow. So much hope, so much desparation; Mr. Quinn has a definite knack for storytelling and bringing the reader back into a time which is hardly imaginable, yet is so intrinsic to our history. I truly enjoyed this book, and was sad to reach the end, knowing that these fascinating, incredible stories did NOT end, and continue to this day.

See the world as they did

Arthur Quinn's wonderful work, "A New World," puts you into the shoes, and more importantly, the heads, of the movers and shakers of the colonial world. From a modern perspective, the behavior of our colonial forebears is often perplexing and sometimes downright criminal. Why did the Plymouth Pilgrims see the decimation of the Pawtuxet as Divine Providence, instead of a horrific tragedy? Why did French and English colonists treat the natives so differently? Quinn's treatment of these and other issues are unparalleled. Instead of providing a detailed chronology of events, Quinn emphasizes sociological context and individual perspective. Plenty of good history books can tell you what happened; "A New World" explains why. This can be a rough ride (Quinn is no apologist), but like the best roller coasters, "A New World" is well worth the trip.