Author: Alice Morse Earle

Alice Morse Earle (1851–1911) was an esteemed American historian and author, particularly recognized for her eloquent writings on early New England culture and social customs. Earle was a distinguished figure in the Colonial Revival movement and is noted for her rich, anecdotal, and accessible prose style. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, she was an early female graduate of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, demonstrating her commitment to education from a young age. Her literary contributions are marked by meticulous research and a vivid recounting of 17th and 18th-century life. Earle”s fascination with everyday life extended beyond the boundaries of typical historical literature, which often overlooked the domestic and social spheres she found so compelling. Her book “Customs and Fashions in Old New England” is a quintessential example of her work, offering readers detailed insight into the norms and mores of Colonial America (Earle, 1893). This book, along with her other works, ensures Earle”s lasting reputation as a pivotal figure in the study and appreciation of early American history. Her scholarship has shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of the past, making her contributions invaluable to the understanding of America”s cultural and social heritage.