A startlingly original synthesis of keen observation and interpretive skill that will transform one s understanding of New England s man-made landscape"

... the southeast Massachusetts region consists of the following cities and towns: North Attleborough, Mansfield, Easton, Brockton, Abington, Rockland, Hanover, Norwell, Scituate, Marshfield, Pembroke, Hanson, Whitman, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Raynham, Taunton, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Swansea, Dighton, Berkley, Lakeville, Middleborough, Halifax, Plympton, Kingston, Duxbury, Plymouth, Carver, Wareham, Marion, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, Acushnet, New Bedford, Freetown, Fall River, Westport, Dartmouth, and Somerset; major areas covered: topography of the area // overview of the 'prehistory' period (paleoindian through Late Woodland) // processes of settlement and land use (1500 to 1940) discussing regional events, core-periphery relationships (how things worked and were interrelated), transportation, settlement, survivals (how much of an historic place, building, etc. has survived and in what condition), and research topics // architectural development // industrial development (including specific industries: iron manufacturing, tack manufacturing, cotton textiles, straw works, boot and shoe manufacturing, jewelry, oil refining, cranberry growing, box making, brick and pottery) // management and recommendations; does not go into great detail about each town / city but is a very good general history of the area with some information about individual towns / cities / buildings, etc ...