The Connecticut (Rivers of America Series) [Hardcover]

Walter R. Hard (Author), Douglas W. Gorsline (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2003 | Series: Rivers of America Series

First published in 1947 and out of print for many years, this book tells the story of New England's longest river, from its birth some 15,000 years ago as a small stream sculpted by glaciers in the last ice age through its rich and colorful history as New England's preeminent waterway. This edition includes a new introduction by Thomas Conuel, placing the book in historical perspective and describing the changes that have occurred since its original publication.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press; 2 edition (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932691277
• ISBN-13: 978-0932691279
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,571,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Connecticut River historic perspective, October 28, 2011

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S. Clark "S.F. Clark" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Connecticut (Rivers of America Series) (Hardcover)

"The Connecticut" presents site specific description of colonial development as it proceeded from the mouth to the headwaters. The account is well written, interesting, establishes detailed connections between native peoples, first settlers, and later agricultural, economic, settlement patterns. This text appears to be the definitive work from which many later accounts were drawn. An enjoyable read for anyone living in the Connecticut River basin or interested in the New England landscape.

5.0 out of 5 stars History, Geology, and technology on the river, April 11, 2008

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Howard S. Shubs (South Hadley, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Connecticut (Rivers of America Series) (Hardcover)

This is a wonderfully readable book about the history of the Connecticut River published in 1947, before the river got cleaned up at all. Mr. Hard covers everything from an overview of the geology of the River to its discovery by Europeans and its settlement, first by the Dutch and then by the British. He writes of crossings (ferries and bridges) to some degree, of the first steam boats (before Fulton!), and quite a bit about the decline of the fishery. This is largely a history book about the Connecticut River Valley, and I highly recommend it for those interested in this topic.