Men and Manners in America

A thorough study of early American democracy and social structures, written with scathing honesty.

Thomas Hamilton (Author)

9781108002752, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 August 2009

416 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.53 kg

Throughout Men and Manners in America, Thomas Hamilton (1789–1842) describes with scathing honesty, and a sometimes sarcastic wit, the political and social structures of the newly independent United States. Hamilton journeyed to America in 1830, determined to write a conclusive and impartial account of its democracy. On his return, however, he was desperately aware that this impartiality had produced writings with the potential to deeply offend. Men and Manners in America was, in fact, published almost a year later (1833) when Hamilton finally felt duty-bound to speak the truth. His writings serve as a discerning and thorough study of the beginnings of American democracy, and as a delightfully unintended example of the 'prejudices natural to an [nineteenth- century] Englishman'. Volume 1 describes his experiences of New York, Boston, New England, and Philadelphia.

1. Voyage—New York
2. New York
3. New York—Hudson River
4. New York
5. New York
6. Voyage—Providence—Boston
7. Boston
8. New England
9. New York
10. Philadelphia
11. Philadelphia.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]