This work examines the political, social, and economic evolution of the thirteen British colonies in North America from their initial settlement through the onset of the American Revolution. Louis B. Wright, a noted historian and former director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, utilizes a synthesis of primary source documents and historical analysis to construct a comprehensive narrative of colonial development. The text argues that the unique environmental and cultural conditions of the New World necessitated the creation of distinct governance structures that eventually diverged from British imperial control.

Historians and educators frequently cite this volume as a reliable, accessible survey for students and general readers interested in the colonial period. The prose is noted for its clarity and balance, serving as a standard reference for understanding the foundational structures of early American society.