David Hackett Fischer is Warren Professor of History at Brandeis University. He is the author of numerous books, including Paul Revere's Ride and Growing Old in America.
"Professor Fischer's careful research and analysis opens a much
needed discussion of cultural character and origins in North
America. The variety and complexity of historical sources will
inform the work of other cultural historians and
analysts."--Nadesan Permaul, UC Berkeley
"This is history at a lively pace, peppered with curious details
about the origins of families...The author makes a convincing
case."--Dolores and Roger Flaherty, Chicago Sun-Times
"A pleasure to read, for it is written with Fischer's
characteristic perspicuity. Moreover, the numerous drawings by
Jennifer Brody and maps by Andrew Mudryk are a visual
treat."--Raymond A. Mohl, Review Essay
"The kind of book one can open to almost any page and immediately
become engrossed...[R]eaders will enjoy and benefit from this
book...We eagerly await volume two."--Neil R. Stout, Vermont
History
"Holds up to readers a mirror in which they can discover in
themselves and in their own world the persistence of their
heritage...An engrossing work that will whet the appetite for
more."--The National Genealogical Society Quarterly
"Ingenious and provocative...Raises matters of cardinal
interest."--The Times Literary Supplement
"A splendid work of historical scholarship. . . . based on an
original conception of cultural history which I find extremely
usable. Eminently readable."--Omer Hadziselimovic, Earlham College
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"[A] sprightly analysis....This is history at a lively pace,
peppered with curious details about the origins of familiar words
and practices....The author makes a convincing case for his claim
that `in a cultural sense most Americans are Albion's
seed."--Chicago Sun-Times
"One of the most interesting, important, and ambitious books about
American cultural and social origins ever written....A richly
rewarding book, and one of great significance....It blends the best
of new and old scholarship in lucid language designed to attract
laymen and students alike. Very simply, Albion's Seed is a splendid
achievement."--Michael Kammen, New York Newsday
"David Hackett Fischer's book could not be much bigger or more
ambitious. It is the first in a series of volumes that he hopes
will eventually constitute a cultural history of the United
States....This book starts his series with a bang--a big
bang....Remarkable....A revisionist blockbuster."--Gordon Wood, The
New Republic
"Beautifully produced, this work should popularize the discoveries
of a generation of scholars in the new social history. Anyone
interested in these four cultures of the Anglo-American colonists
will find here population data, family life, community mores, and
achetypical individuals, portrayed in a clear and often lively
text, thoughtfully analyzed illustrations, and wonderful
maps."--Stephen Saunders Webb, Washington Post Book World
"[A] superbly ambitious interpretation of American origins....A
major book, which cannot be ignored."--Times (London)
"A brilliant and formidable achievement, a major American
contribution to the international tradition of great historical
writing."--Chronicles
"Insightful, fresh, interesting, and well-written, this synthesis
of traditional and more current historical scholarship provides a
model for interpretations of the American character. Subsequent
volumes of this promised multivolume work will be eagerly awaited.
Highly recommended."--Library Journal
"An invaluable contribution to the study of American
society."--Choice
"Fischer's is a striking and distinctive vision. He has gathered
information (and allies--eg., 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
"A book that will benefit any genealogist interested in American
history and society--exceptionally readable and academically
satisfying. It should have a place in every family history
library."--Debra L. Wiley
"An extraordinary achievement. Albion's Seed is a book of
astonishing depth, power, and feeling, filled with stimulating
insights. The brillance of Fischer's analysis lies in the
extraordinary erudition he brings to his task, his elegant
writings, and his bold thesis."--Journal of American Folklore
"Fischer's delineation of thirteen aspects of folklife (or
folkways, as he terms them) makes his book as important to
folklorists as it so obviously is to historians of the culture of
the United States. It is a very important book."--Thomas E. Barden,
University of Toledo
"A brilliant and beautiful book, rich in insights. Every American
should read it."--Jim Jasper, New York University
"An amazing compendium of data interwoven with lively
interpretation. Quite readable and informative on several levels.
I'll use it often."--Kenneth A. Thigpen, Penn. State University
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