This is a single-volume narrative history of the 13 North American British colonies which eventually formed the nucleus of the United States. The author covers the entire period from foundation and the first settlement of the Pilgrim fathers to the colonies' emergence in the 18th century as mature provinces with advanced economies and distinct cultures. In addition to the narrative chapters the author also discusses at length various important and recurring themes, notably the relationship between the settlers and the native Americans, the changing position and role of women, the beginnings of slavery, and the evolution of political and social structures. Arguing that the War of Independence was by no means the inevitable result of colonial ambitions, Richard Middleton provides a comprehensive history of the colonial period which shows it to be much more than simply the prologue to independence. Each chapter is prefaced by a chronology and is illustrated by maps and contemporary paintings and etchings. There is a substantial section of annotated further reading.