Cover of Ruth of Boston: A Story of the Massachusetts Bay Colony by James Otis Coming Soon

Ruth of Boston: A Story of the Massachusetts Bay Colony

by James Otis

3h 5m
Duration
1910
Published
This title is in production and will be available to all active subscribers the day it is released.
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About This Audiobook

Ruth of Boston: A Story of the Massachusetts Bay Colony is a delightful children's historical narrative told from the viewpoint of young Ruth, a ten- or twelve-year-old Puritan girl who sails with her family from England to the New World in the early 1630s as part of the Great Migration. The story begins with the ocean voyage and the challenges of settling in the Massachusetts Bay area, including the founding and growth of Boston. Through Ruth's observant eyes, readers experience the daily home life of Puritan settlers: building homes, preparing unfamiliar foods like corn and pumpkins, attending church services, helping with household chores such as spinning and weaving, starting school, and adapting to colonial laws and customs. The book also touches on interactions with Native Americans, early hardships like famine and disease, and community events such as thanksgivings and defenses against threats.

As the colony stabilizes, Ruth describes governance under leaders like John Winthrop, moral and religious discipline (including punishments for wrongdoing), relations with figures like Roger Williams, and events such as the Pequot War. Otis focuses on authentic details of Puritan family life, work divided by gender and age, simple pleasures, and the faith-driven perseverance that shaped New England. Written in a clear, engaging style without romantic embellishment, this living book vividly brings the early Massachusetts Bay Colony to life for young readers, highlighting both the toil and the sense of purpose in building a new society grounded in their beliefs.

Meet the Author
Portrait of James Otis
James OtisAmerican journalist and author · 1848 – 1912

James Otis Kaler, better known by his pen name James Otis, was a prolific American journalist and author of children's historical fiction. Born in Winterport, Maine, he began his career as a journalist and later turned to writing engaging stories for young readers that brought American history to life. Under the pseudonym James Otis, he authored nearly 100 books, many of which were part of educational series designed for school use, emphasizing themes of adventure, resilience, virtue, and patriotism.

His most enduring works are the Colonial and Pioneer Children of America books, including titles like Hannah of Kentucky, Martha of California, Richard of Jamestown, Mary of Plymouth, and others. These first-person narratives follow young protagonists during key periods of American settlement—from the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies to westward expansion along the Oregon and California Trails. Otis's stories remain valued for their accessible style, historical detail, and wholesome portrayal of American heritage.

In This Volume
  1. Paideia Introduction2:32
  2. A Proper Beginning2:26
  3. On the Broad Ocean2:29
  4. Making Ready for Battle2:30
  5. The Rest of the Voyage2:55
  6. The First View of America2:18
  7. The Town of Salem2:06
  8. Other Villages1:54
  9. Visiting Salem3:13
  10. Making Comparisons2:12
  11. An Indian Guest and Other Visitors4:00
  12. A Christening and a Dinner2:55
  13. Deciding upon a Home2:08
  14. A Sad Loss2:01
  15. Rejoicing Turned into Mourning2:29
  16. Thanksgiving Day in July0:53
  17. Leaving Salem for Charlestown1:38
  18. Our Neighbors2:30
  19. Getting Settled1:39
  20. The Great Sickness2:35
  21. Moving the Town2:22
  22. Master Graves Prohibits Swimming1:03
  23. Anna Foster's Party2:13
  24. The Town of Boston2:13
  25. Guarding Against Fires1:25
  26. Our Own New Home2:33
  27. The Fashion of the Day3:20
  28. My Own Wardrobe1:33
  29. Master Johnson's Death1:44
  30. Many New Kinds of Food3:34
  31. The Supply of Food2:55
  32. The Sailing of the "Lyon"1:13
  33. The Famine2:13
  34. The Search for Food1:29
  35. The Starvation Time2:36
  36. A Day to Be Remembered1:18
  37. The Coming of the "Lyon"1:50
  38. Another Thanksgiving Day2:53
  39. A Defense for the Town0:58
  40. The Problem of Servants1:44
  41. Chickatabut2:51
  42. Building a Ship1:05
  43. Household Conveniences3:16
  44. How the Work Is Divided2:24
  45. Launching the Ship1:39
  46. Master Winthrop's Mishap3:25
  47. New Arrivals1:48
  48. Another Famine2:58
  49. Fine Clothing Forbidden1:44
  50. Our First Church3:17
  51. A Troublesome Person1:14
  52. The Village of Merry Mount1:26
  53. Punishing Thomas Morton2:50
  54. Philip Ratcliff's Crime2:16
  55. In the Pillory1:57
  56. Stealing from the Indians1:54
  57. The Passing of New Laws2:36
  58. Master Pormont's School2:32
  59. School Discipline1:45
  60. Other Tools of Torture2:52
  61. Difficult Lessons1:20
  62. Other Schools2:28
  63. Raising Flax2:14
  64. Preparing Flax2:14
  65. Spinning, Bleaching, and Weaving Flax2:34
  66. What We Girls Do at Home2:32
  67. Making Soap3:52
  68. Soap from Bayberries0:56
  69. Goose-Picking2:37
  70. A Change of Governors1:13
  71. The Flight of Roger Williams2:47
  72. Sir Harry Vane1:51
  73. Making Sugar3:38
  74. A "Sugaring Dinner"2:42
  75. Training Day3:47
  76. Shooting for a Prize2:02
  77. Lecture Day2:16
  78. Punishment for Evil-Doers2:20
  79. The Murder of John Oldham2:06
  80. Savages on the War-Path2:27
  81. Pequot Indians3:04

Chapter-by-chapter navigation and listening progress are available in the member library.

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