The Upper Country melds myth and conventional history to provide a memorable tale of French designs in the middle of what became the United States. Putting the reader on the battlefields; at the trading posts; and on the rivers with voyageurs and their allies from the Indian nations; Claiborne Skinner reveals the saintly missionaries and jolly fur traders of popular myth as agents of a hard-nosed; often ruthless; imperial endeavor. Skinner’s engaging narrative takes the reader through daily life at posts like Forts Saint Louis and Michilimakinac; illuminates the complexities of interracial marriage with the courtship of Michel Aco at Peoria; and explains how France's New World adventurism played a role in the outbreak of the Seven Years War and the beginning of the modern era.In this story; many of the traditional heroes and villains of American history take on surprising roles. The last Stuart kings of England seem shrewd and even human; George Washington makes his debut appearance on the stage of history by assassinating a French officer and plunging Europe into the first truly global war. From unthinkable hardship to dreams of fur trade profits; this fascinating exploration sheds new light on France and its imperial venture into the Great Lakes.
#1006289 in Books A G Roeber 1998-04-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.13 x 6.00l; 1.39 #File Name: 0801859689448 pagesPalatines liberty and property
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Researched and readableBy CustomerNicely researched and nicely readable. An excellent book for people wanting to learn about German Lutheran and Calvinist (Reformed) ancestors from Germany to America in the 1700s; with focus on Palatines. The author adds all sorts of tidbits helping the reader imagine what it was like during those days -- adding perspective -- such as:page 32: "A more forced scrutiny fro the tower reveals distinct geographic; economic; and institutional contours that explain both differences and commonalities among the villagers who in the eighteenth century left this area in droves for Russia; Hungary; Prussia; and less often; North America."page 34: "Sheepherding had long been regarded as a dishonorable calling; connected in the popular mind with magical knowledge of the weather; and of the herbs; soils; water; and wood that the herders gathered to make medicines -- and poisons. Persons suspected of witchcraft were often asked if they had had contact with herders."page 40: "But the prosperity of the Palatinate; due in no small part to its lush vineyards; had led to repeated warfare and devastation."page 44: "Traditionally; the local authority in the Palatinate had bee the Zentgericht. An old Frankish institution; nearly identical to the English hundred courts; it was governed by ancient collections of oral wisdom handed down by the local elders; the Schoffen; whose main job it was to 'speak the law' by remembering the multiple dues; obligations; rights; and relationships perpetuated in 'sayings;' or Weistumer."page 59: "That workers in the hayfields in Bavarian Augsburg needed to work three times as long as did similar workers at Speyer to earn a given wage illustrated the limitations place on residents of the eastern borders of the southwest."I'll stop there because each new page has another goodie.Much applies to our time. The author speaks of overpopulation -- too many people; not enough resources to go around; barely surviving at the margins -- forgotten lessons that we could well re-learn today; applied to today's world.Be informed that this book does not have much on Palatine families of New York State (Hudson and Mohawk River valleys). I am somewhat disappointed.Nonetheless; a good read.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. good information; but hard to readBy Gray oneWhile studying my ancestors and Pennsylvania Dutch heritage; I have read a fair number of books on the subject. This one gave me some good new information about the German states we came from; and how our customs affected our settlement here. It was also one of the hardest reads I have experienced in some time; and my reading includes technical papers. I had to be fairly stubborn to finish it. For me; some of the stories were more interesting than the arguments to support the points about cultural linkages to actions. I think that some of the arguments are a bit strained; but the interesting stories would't be in the book without linkage to the arguments. Overall; I am glad that I read it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. For the true Palatinophile!By Charles S. Wassum IIIIt is quite detailed and rather academic. I'll need to read it twice; slowly; for ease in understanding some passages.However; I am very interested in the topic and did not expect to find a book that covers the topic so well.
