Drawing extensively on contemporary records, author and antiquarian George Dow provides graphically accurate descriptions of early shelters and dwellings, interior furnishings, colonial wardrobes, sports and games, shipping, trade, medicinal aids, medical practice, crimes, punishment and much more. The text dispenses a wealth of intimate details on manners and customs - including intriguing tidbits of information on peculiar mealtime apparel, eating habits and personal cleanliness. Detailed appendixes contain shop inventories, records of the contents of private homes, copies of building agreements and other matters.