To order books, call 401-841-8770. Sales tax does not apply to orders shipped outside the state of Rhode Island.
Newport: A Concise History, by C.P.B. Jefferys, is an overview of Newport’s history in about 100 pages. The six chapters cover:
Newport Begins, 1639-1700; The Thriving Colonial Seaport, 1700-1770; The Road to Revolution, Economic Disaster, and Revival, 1770-1840; Queen of Resorts, 1840-1930; Recovery, Restoration, and Redevelopment, 1930-1976; Competing Three-and-Three-Quarters Centuries, 1796 and beyond
This fourth edition is generously illustrated with historic images and black and white photographs. 112 pages. Published by the Newport Historical Society, 2008. $14.95
African Americans in Newport: An Introduction to the Heritage of African Americans in Newport, Rhode Island, 1700-1945, by Richard C. Youngken. This best-selling book offers an overview of African American history in Newport, RI. The three chapters cover Slavery 1700-1800, Out of Slavery; Establishment of Neighborhoods: 1800—Civil War; and Civil War—World War II Black Independence and Entrepreneurial Pursuits. This second edition includes many historic photographs and illustrations, and offers short biographies of key individuals from Newport’s African American heritage, and a list of historic resources in downtown Newport. 84 pages. Published by the Newport Historical Society. $14.95
Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration, by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese.
In 1776, fifty-six men risked their lives and livelihoods to defy King George III and signed the most important document in the history of the United States. Yet how many of these men do we actually remember? Everyone knows John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, but who were the other 53 signers?
Signing Their Lives Away tells the story of the eclectic group of statesmen, soldiers, and scoundrels who signed this historic document—and the strange fates that awaited them. Some rose to the highest levels of United States government, but a surprising number would spend time in debtors’ prison. Signer George Wythe was murdered by his nephew. Button Gwinnett was killed in a duel. Thomas Lynch, Jr. was lost at sea. And of course, Samuel Adams achieved fame as a patriot-brewer.
Featuring a reversible dust jacket depicting a facsimile of the Declaration, Signing Their Lives Away provides an entertaining and enlightening narrative for history buffs of all ages.
255 pages, Quirk Books, 2009 $19.95