Recollections and Impressions, 1822-1890

"Recollections and Impressions, 1822-1890" by Octavius Brooks Frothingham is a look into the author's life during the 1800s, especially his time growing up in New England's Unitarian society, his family history, and the important ideas of the day. The book explores how personal faith, social change, and a lively interest in books and culture all connect. The opening pages reveal his thoughts on his parents, particularly his father—a Unitarian minister with a love for literature—and his mother, known for her gentle and caring nature. Frothingham paints a picture of a peaceful and ambitious childhood in early 19th-century Boston, emphasizing the education and social experiences that helped form who he became, paving the way for a deeper examination of faith, intellectual searches, and shifting social standards, mainly concerning religion and moral beliefs.