Discover the roots of New Jersey’s colonial story through authentic documents.
This edition collects primary records from 1631 to 1687, presented with careful notes and an analytical index that will help readers trace early settlements, land grants, and governance. The editor’s introductions explain the goals behind gathering these papers and how to read the old records, including the quirks of historical spelling and script.
- A curated, facsimile-friendly collection of documents bearing on New Jersey’s early history, with provenance details and context.
- An Analytical Index to the Colonial Documents, listing each record’s date, place of deposit, and a concise summary to speed research.
- Editor’s notes that clarify identities, terms, and events without altering the originals’ tone or meaning.
- Supplementary material that situates the documents within the broader history of East Jersey and the state’s formation.
Ideal for researchers, students, and history readers who want direct access to primary sources and a guided overview of early New Jersey’s legal, political, and social landscape.This edition is a reliable reference for anyone studying the state’s colonial era or exploring how archival work shapes our understanding of early American history.