The emphases of Vickers (history, U. of California at San Diego) in putting together this thematic and synthetic collection intended to reflect the current historiography on Colonial America appears, judging by his introductory discussion, to have been on the issue of cultural difference and the importance of not constructing a monolithic narrative of colonial history. In addition to chapters focusing on the colonial era experiences of particular groups such as women, African Americans, and Native Americans, other chapters focus on issues that have reflect relatively recent historical concerns, including ecology, migration and settlement, children and parents, consumption, culture, regionalism, and borderlands. Still others focus on more traditional historical issues, including causes of the American Revolution, empire, economy, class, colonial politics, religion, and religion. Also included are comparative chapters discussing New Spain, New France, the Caribbean, and Atlantic Canada. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)