In Public Houses: Drink and the Revolution of Authority in Colonial Massachusetts (Published for the Omohundro Institute of Early American Hist) [Paperback]

David W. Conroy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 19, 1995 | Series: Published for the Omohundro Institute of Early American Hist

In this study of the role of taverns in the development of Massachusetts society, David Conroy brings into focus a vital and controversial but little-understood facet of public life during the colonial era. Concentrating on the Boston area, he reveals a popular culture at odds with Puritan social ideals, one that contributed to the transformation of Massachusetts into a republican society. Public houses were an integral part of colonial community life and hosted a variety of official functions, including meetings of the courts. They also filled a special economic niche for women and the poor, many of whom turned to tavern-keeping to earn a living. But taverns were also the subject of much critical commentary by the clergy and increasingly restrictive regulations. Conroy argues that these regulations were not only aimed at curbing the spiritual corruption associated with public houses but also at restricting the popular culture that had begun to undermine the colony's social and political hierarchy. Specifically, Conroy illuminates the role played by public houses as a forum for the development of a vocal republican citizenry, and he highlights the connections between the vibrant oral culture of taverns and the expanding print culture of newspapers and political pamphlets in the eighteenth century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An extraordinary work of history that gracefully traces the origins, growth, and functions of these centers of collective drink.

Choice

Elegantly written, closely argued, and well supported.

American Historical Review

This excellent book reveals the complexities of New England's social and cultural development.

Journal of Interdisciplinary History

Conroy's solid research effort and fine writing provide an extra measure of confidence in his excellent book.

Journal of Social History

This is a book one completes with a mounting sense of excitement that the author has brought a subject to life.

William and Mary Quarterly

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press (June 19, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807845213
• ISBN-13: 978-0807845219
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,067,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Dry martini - yes. Dry book - no., August 13, 2008

By 

Mackenzie "A Bug for Quality" (NH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Public Houses: Drink and the Revolution of Authority in Colonial Massachusetts (Published for the Omohundro Institute of Early American Hist) (Paperback)

OK, so I knew this is an academic treatise when I picked up HOWEVER... How an author can take such an interesting topic and completely kill it is inexcusable. This poor book suffers from information overload. The presentation is at best disjointed and repetitious. Comparative maps at the local and regional scale would be helpful, as would a chronology of significant events. The annotations and list of references are outstanding. The author has oviously dug deep into the historical archives and found some fascinating stuff. This book should shine. Instead it disappoints. Some stern stiff editing could still save this work. My recommendation: Skip the first edition and wait for revisions.