Alice B. reviewed Away Off Shore: Nantucket Island and Its People, 1602–1890 on + 3578 more book reviews
The author at the time this book was written lived on Nantucket Island, thus he was able to do extensive research in the libraries and museums and visit the historical landmarks. He has written a comprehensive book from 1602-1890 on Nantucket. The Macy's and Starbucks came from this island as well as the Folger cousins from the maternal side of Benjamin Franklin.Nantucket Island was mainly known for it's extensive whaling which made many on this island rich. However, with the decline of whaling, tourism is the mainstay economy. Many of the original buildings stand today. Some are homes and other's museums. Nathaniel Philbrick paints a colorful word picture of this island's very varied and picturesque history.