Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, Philip Ranlet examines the prolific political career of Cadwallader Colden. Colden was the long lasting lieutenant governor of royal New York. A determined foe of entrenched interests in New York such as the manor lords, the lawyers, and the fur smugglers, he remained a vigorous supporter of the royal prerogative. He handled Indian relations for many years and was the first true historian of the Iroquois. Also one of the preeminent scientists of the colonial period and the Enlightenment itself, he established botany in America and also tried to revise the work of Sir Isaac Newton. Lieutenant Governor Cadwallader Colden continued to battle the enemies of British rule until his death during the American Revolution in 1776 at 88 years old.
Trade ReviewPhilip Ranlet's deeply researched and comprehensively narrated biography does overdue justice to Cadwallader Colden's illustrious career. Colden was remarkably talented as a physician, politician, botanist, and ethnographer—a true son of the Enlightenment, whose influence ranged far beyond New York province to the rest of British America, England, and Continental Europe. Ranlet brings fresh insights into preRevolutionary America by meticulously reconstructing the life and writings of one of its most active and accomplished participants. -- Alden T. Vaughan, Columbia University
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgments Abbreviations for Notes Introduction Chapter 1: The Drummer Chapter 2: New York Chapter 3: Sylvan Retreat Chapter 4: Tyrant Chapter 5: Enlightenment Chapter 6: Revolts Chapter 7: Jennie and Davie Chapter 8: The Empire Calls Chapter 9: The Ottoman Family Chapter 10: Coldengham Under Siege Chapter 11: The Intelligent Being Chapter 12: Phoenix Chapter 13: Lawyers Chapter 14: Civil War Chapter 15: Out, In, and Out Again Chapter 16: Drunkard Chapter 17: Finis Afterword Bibliography Archives and Manuscripts Newspapers and Journals Primary Sources Secondary Sources Index About the Author
