John Banister of Newport: The Life and Accounts of a Colonial Merchant

John Banister of Newport: The Life and Accounts of a Colonial Merchant
ISBN-10
1476669325
ISBN-13
9781476669328
Category
History
Pages
248
Language
English
Published
2017-07-07
Publisher
McFarland
Author
Marian Mathison Desrosiers

Description

"[Desrosiers] has penned the best book on a colonial merchant from Newport.... This most welcome work, for historians and for readers interested in colonial Newport, deepens our understanding of Newport merchants and the world in which they lived in during the decades prior to the American Revolution"—Online Review of Rhode Island History "Sets the standard for what the writing of the economic and social history of early America should be"—The Northern Mariner "Traces the life of merchant John Banister of Newport, Rhode Island, to illustrate his position in the history of Newport and its consumers from the 1730's to the 1760's."—ProtoView Merchant John Banister (1707-1767) of Newport, Rhode Island, wore many hats: exporter, importer, wholesaler, retailer, money-lender, extender of credit and insurer, owner and outfitter of sailing vessels, and ship builder for the slave trade. His recently discovered accounting records reveal his role in transforming colonial trade in mid-18th century America. He combined business acumen and a strong work ethic with knowledge of the law and new technologies. Through his maritime activities and real estate development, he was a rain-maker for artisans, workers and producers, contributing to income opportunities for businesswomen, freemen and slaves. Drawing on Banister's meticulous daybooks, ledgers, letters and receipts, the author analyzes his contribution to the economic history of colonial America, highlighting the complexity of the commerce of the era.

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