Routledge - A Good Master Well Served - Colonial History Book

Explore the complex social structures of early America with A Good Master Well Served by Lawrence Towner. This neglected classic provides a deep look into the lives and experiences of bonded laborers in colonial Massachusetts between 1620 and 1750. As historians seek to understand the connections between African American slaves, European indentured servants, convicts, and sailors, this study serves as an essential starting point for academic inquiry. Lawrence Towner, the former head of the Newberry Library and editor of the William and Mary Quarterly, offers a comprehensive analysis of the legal status of both black and white bonded laborers. The book covers the full scope of their daily work and their personal aspirations, providing a detailed view of the labor systems that shaped the region. This volume is part of the Studies in African American History and Culture series, making it a valuable resource for students, researchers, and readers interested in the history of labor and social hierarchy in the American colonies.