Fisher, Leonard Everett

A brief history of the Great Wall of China, begun about 2,200 years ago to keep out Mongol invaders.

Discusses the motivation, materials, and techniques of the first "artists" in colonial America--the sign painters--and how their works contribute to a better understanding of early American history and society.

Introduces the history of blacksmithing and discusses the techniques, products, well-known blacksmiths, and commercial importance of this trade in colonial America.

Traces the history of architecture in the American colonies, describing the influence of existing styles and the needs of environment.

Describes the enterprise and commercial development that peddlers brought to the colonies before the establishment of general stores.

Traces the history of shipbuilding in the American colonies and describes each step in the building of an eighteenth-century ship.

Presents background information on cloth making in the colonies and describes the various techniques involved.

Describes how four staples--candles, soap, brooms, and cider--were made in colonial times.

Surveys the history and technique of shoemaking in colonial America.

Examines the art of the silversmith in colonial times.