Have you ever looked at an old, grainy photograph and tried to imagine the voices, the smells, and the feelings of the people in it? That's the experience Edith Gilman Brewster offers in Some Three Hundred Years Ago. Published in 1917, this book isn't a single novel. It's a series of connected stories and sketches that paint a vivid picture of life in colonial New England, particularly in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire area.

The Story

There's no main character or single plot. Instead, Brewster acts as a guide, walking us through the founding years of these early settlements. We see the arrival of ships from England, the tense negotiations with Native American tribes, and the backbreaking work of clearing land and building shelters. The 'story' is the collective struggle and triumph of a community. We meet fishermen, farmers, ministers, and children, all trying to carve out a life. We see the dangers—harsh winters, sickness, and the constant threat of conflict. But we also see the moments of joy: a wedding, a successful harvest, the simple comfort of a warm hearth. Brewster uses real historical records, letters, and town documents to build these scenes, making them feel authentic and immediate.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is its focus on the everyday. History books often give us the big events—the dates, the treaties, the battles. Brewster gives us the human scale. She shows us what people ate, how they celebrated holidays, and what they worried about at night. Her writing has a gentle, almost conversational quality that makes these figures from the past feel like neighbors. You get a real sense of their resilience and their faith, but also their very normal fears and doubts. It strips away the myth and shows the gritty, determined reality of starting over in a new world. It’s a quiet, thoughtful book that makes you appreciate the sheer amount of ordinary courage that built a nation.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for anyone who loves local history or has roots in New England. It’s also great for readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction that focuses on social history and daily life. If you liked the feel of books like Little House on the Prairie but wanted an older, grittier, historically-grounded version, you’ll connect with this. Because it's a collection of vignettes, it's easy to pick up and read a story at a time. Just be prepared—after reading, you might find yourself looking at the oldest buildings in your town with a whole new sense of wonder.