Colonial New England Curiosities: Remarkable Occurrences, Miracles & Madness

The New World was full of unusual occurrences and strange trials for the early colonists of New England. Devastating plagues, violent conflicts with Native Americans and freak weather ravaged whole communities. When settlers saw an array of colors dancing through the night sky, they thought the Northern Lights were a sign that their end was near. Violators of public drunkenness were forced to wear large, red embroidered D's around their necks for a year under the strict laws of the colonies. Through the letters, diaries and journals of influential figures of the time, historian Robert A. Geake uncovers the oddities and wonders that amazed New England's pioneers.

Robert A. Geake is a New England historian and author of seven previous books with The History Press. He is an associate of the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, and an archivist and board member of the Warwick Historical Society. Mr. Geake also volunteers as a docent at Smith's Castle on Cocumscussoc, near Wickford, Rhode Island, and serves on their committee for planning educational programs.