Böcker i Cambridge Library Collection - North American History-serien

Scottish-born journalist Alexander Mackay (1808-52) spent much of his career in North America. In 1846-7 he visited the United States again. This three-volume work, published in 1849, recounts his experiences and describes America's vibrant society and prosperous economy. Volume 1 focuses on New York, Philadelphia and Washington.

Each of the 119 landscape engravings in this two-volume book is accompanied by a short essay. The authors' intention is to bring to the reader at home the sensations of travel which 'those whose lot is domestic and retired' would never be in a position to experience for themselves.

Here reissued in its 1819 second edition, this 1818 book by the political reformer William Cobbett (1763-1835) describes a year he spent farming on Long Island after fleeing England. Analysing the climate, soil, crops and economics, Cobbett disputes claims that the mid-West is an ideal destination for British emigrants.

Published before the outcome of the conflict was known, this account of the American Revolution by the Abbe Raynal (1713-69) was first published in English in 1781. It is taken from the last volume of his influential Philosophy and Political History of the East and West Indies.

Finnish-Swedish botanist Peter Kalm (1716-79) forged important scientific links between his country and England and North America through his extensive travels in and notes about the latter, which were translated into English via German and published in three volumes in 1770-1.

Frederick Marryat (1792-1848) is remembered today as a novelist, but also wrote non-fiction. He spent 1837-8 travelling in North America, and published six volumes of observations in 1839. He was fascinated by the drive of Americans, but considered the country and people too heterogeneous to form a 'nation'.

The lawyer John Adams (1735-1826) became a central figure in the American Revolution and is regarded as a father of the United States Constitution. Published in 1850-6, this collection includes diaries, correspondence and essays. Volume 7 focuses on Adams' 1777-82 mission to negotiate a treaty with Britain.

George Washington (1732-1799) was the first president of the United States, having led the Continental army to victory against the British during the American War of Independence. This 1807 biography (here reissued in the 1858 Boston edition) documents his military career and campaigns, and his terms as president.

First published in 1821, just six years after he had witnessed the British campaigns in Washington and New Orleans, Gleig's chronicle provides a glimpse of the impressions, sentiments and attitudes fostered by those who fought some of the most influential battles in British and American history.