by Charles P. Ilsley
edited by Gudrun Cram-Drach and Neva Cram
In 1856, well-known Portland newspaperman Charles P. Ilsley complied and published this collection of stories about colonial life in Maine. His book included legends of the French and Indian Wars, adventures of the early seafaring days, and even the story of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War. They vividly portray Maine as the kind of dangerous frontier usually associated with the "wild, wild west."
The editors of this 150th anniversary edition of Forest and Shore have provided substantial historical information to help readers distinguish the history from the legends of the times. Supplemental annotations and appendices have been provided that explain antiquated language, identify literary references, and provide historical background. Maps, photographs, and historical documents have been included, and each story has been illustrated.
These vivid tales of forest and shore will capture the imagination of readers a century and half after they first appeared.
[The stories] are rich in language and evocative of this particular place, its past, and its people. The publishers have done readers and historians a great service by bringing this original literary father back to light.