Colonial dames and good wives

"Colonial Dames and Good Wives" by Alice Morse Earle is a late 19th-century work that examines the lives of women in the early American colonies and their roles within their families and society. The book illuminates the experiences of colonial women, including the times of marriage, widowhood, and their involvement in the community. The story begins by highlighting the differences between men and women, particularly in Massachusetts and Virginia. It describes the start of the colonies, explaining how the lack of women in Virginia led to bringing in brides for the lonely male colonists. Through stories, it shows the contrast between the courtships on the shores of Virginia as the men excitedly waited to see a bride, and the struggles these encountered when trying to survive in a new place. The beginning sets up the story for a longer look into the colonial women's experiences and contributions as the story goes on.