Customer Reviews

American Yesterday (Americana)

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Folks, these books by Eric Sloane are a wealth of information at such a reasonably low price. If you are interested in the way our ancestors lived, or just have a want in knowing about the daily lives of average Americans from the late 1700's through the early 1900's then these series of books by Mr. Sloane are what you are looking for.
In "American Yesterday," Mr. Sloane explores the church, home, town, and occupations of the above stated time period. In particular, he writes of the details that many historians never seem to think of. For one small example, in the chapter about the church, descriptions of the pews that those from the past sat in are given in great detail. He also describes what a typical Sunday sevice was like, from the tolling of the church bells to seating arrangements to heating (or lack of, as the case may be).
The homes that our ancestors lived in are given equal time as well. He goes into detail in describing the differences between city and rural (or farm) houses. He tells of clapboards, hipping joints, lean-to's, and braces, as well as the different stylings and shapes of the homes. Full descriptions of furniture are given, from pine-rockers to bedsteps to dressers to tubs to cradles. The pantry and its use is explained in great detail, as is the cellar.
Next we head into town, and not even many living history museums can show what it was like in comparison with Mr. Sloane's descriptions. From traveling the distance to the village (over the rough roads, through a covered bridge, etc.) to the sights and sounds of the village - it's all here, and written in a way that one can envision with all their senses what it was like. Even a history of streets is given!
The section on occupations gives the reader the knowledge that not everyone was a farmer or merchant in the old days. Ice cutters, grindstone workers, sandwich sign men, loggers, wrights (wheel, mill, carriage, etc.), blacksmiths - so many jobs that no longer exist, for better or worse, because of modern technology.
I find interesting the comparisons from yesterday to today that are interspersed through out the text.
Eric Sloane's books are easy to read and fully illustrated by his own sketches. If you want to know in detail of times past then you cannot go wrong in purchasing any of Mr. Sloane's books.

A journey back in time when America was young and people did more things for themselves. Back when farmers were every where and people knew where their food came from.Life in colonial times was harder but was actually a better life. The wonderful era of hand tools and the age of American craftsmanship. An absolute joy for the history buff.