This book contains the substance of a series of lectures given by John Fiske. Subjects covered are "The Roman Idea and the English Idea", "The Puritan Exodus", "The Planting of New England", "The New England Confederacy", "King Phillip's War" and "The Tyranny of Andros." The time frame extends from the Roman empire to the English revolution of 1689, which resulted in the overthrow of Governor Andros in New England.