The Colonial Cavalier; or, Southern Life before the Revolution

"The Colonial Cavalier; or, Southern Life before the Revolution" by Maud Wilder Goodwin is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and customs of the early Southern colonists, specifically focusing on the Cavalier class that settled in Virginia and other southern colonies before the American Revolution. Through its pages, the narrative draws a vivid picture of the settlers' social life, highlighting their experiences, values, and relationships with one another and their environment. At the start of the book, the author sets the stage by reflecting on the contrasting influences of the Puritan and Cavalier settlers in early America. Goodwin emphasizes the unique characteristics and lifestyles of the Southern Cavaliers, depicting their lives as marked by both elegance and the harsh realities of pioneer existence. The opening portion introduces the reader to the historical context, detailing the Cavaliers' motivations for settling, the development of their social structures, and their eventual evolution into a society that both embraced and defended its cultural heritage amidst the challenges of colonial life.