Children at the Birth of Empire 1st Edition

Children at the Birth of Empire — 1st Edition by Kristen McCabe Lashua is a compelling exploration of how childhood shaped—and was shaped by—the formation of early empires. Richly written and meticulously researched, this book invites readers to reconsider familiar narratives of colonial power through the everyday lives of children.

From evocative case studies to close readings of letters, court records, and household documents, Lashua reveals the intimate intersections of family, labor, gender, race, and law in the emerging imperial world. Readers will find fresh perspectives on how policies and social change in the Atlantic and colonial regions influenced children’s education, work, mobility, and identities. This 1st Edition balances scholarly depth with accessible storytelling, making it an essential resource for historians, graduate students, and curious readers interested in colonial history, social history, and the history of childhood.

Why this book matters: it reframes empire-building as a process lived by families and young people, foregrounding voices often left out of grand political histories. The author’s nuanced approach illuminates geographic settings from port towns to plantations, offering insights that resonate with contemporary debates about migration, belonging, and power.

Perfect for academic courses, research libraries, and thoughtful personal collections, Children at the Birth of Empire is a standout title for anyone studying the Atlantic world, Caribbean and colonial North American history, or the social dynamics of empire. Add this important 1st Edition to your shelf and deepen your understanding of how childhood helped shape global history.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.