Beginning with a chronology, Burns introduces innovations from what was called natural philosophy in the 17th and 18th centuries. Providing social historical context on life in the American colonies, he discusses advances in such endeavors as farming, manufacturing, food preservation, warfare, printing, and mapping. The author points out how these differed from practices in settlers' homelands, and Native American influences on some developments. Illustrations include Benjamin Franklin's drawings on electricity and fireplace ventilation. References include useful Web sites.

Art Book News Annual

[T]his and the whole series of Daily Life books make a useful addition to school and college libraries that can afford them.

Catholic Library World

This book fills an important niche by linking history with practical science. This work uses early American life to establish a context in which the new academic science of America and Europe could develop. The book provides an ideal base for interdisciplinary courses and is a trove of authentic examples for teachers or for student research.

The Science Teacher

[F]ollows the early peoples of America and how domestic technology, agriculture and conflicts changed their lives. Chapters trace the evolution and roots of these technologies in new discoveries and provide fine links between scientific developments and human activities.

MBR Bookwatch