An Empire of Regions: A Brief History of Colonial British America

This smart, knowing book examines the evolution of early America in terms of region. I know of no better way to come to terms with the development of the British colonies. Eric Nellis's nuanced, engaging, and up-to-date account thoroughly incorporates the thematic developments that have guided colonial American studies of the last two generations, placing his history in an Atlantic context, delicately unraveling how a diversity of peoples shaped their lives and those of their neighbors, and reminding us of the singular roles of local ecologies and the original objectives of founders in the shaping of each colony and region. Yet the whole is greater than the parts. Nellis's mature assessments show us that the colonies' histories must be understood alongside the evolution of British colonies that did not rebel in 1776 and, just as importantly, that we keep a keen eye on the development of English society and conceptions of empire to explain the great divergence that occurred.

Alan Gallay, Woodring Chair of Atlantic World and Early American History, The Ohio State University