John Banister of Newport - by Marian Mathison Desrosiers (Paperback)

About the Book

"Merchant John Banister (1707-1767) of Rhode Island, has recently discovered accounting records that reveal his role in transforming colonial trade in mid-18th century America. Drawing on his daybooks, ledgers, letters and receipts, this book provides an analysis of his contribution to the economic history of colonial America, highlighting the complexity of the commerce of the era"--

Book Synopsis

Merchant John Banister (1707-1767) of Newport, Rhode Island, wore many hats: exporter, importer, wholesaler, retailer, money-lender, extender of credit and insurer, owner and outfitter of sailing vessels, and ship builder for the slave trade. His recently discovered accounting records reveal his role in transforming colonial trade in mid-18th century America.

He combined business acumen and a strong work ethic with knowledge of the law and new technologies. Through his maritime activities and real estate development, he was a rain-maker for artisans, workers and producers, contributing to income opportunities for businesswomen, freemen and slaves.

Drawing on Banister's meticulous daybooks, ledgers, letters and receipts, the author analyzes his contribution to the economic history of colonial America, highlighting the complexity of the commerce of the era.

Review Quotes

"a compelling and highly informative account of Banister's life and work...valuable.... The book fills a significant gap in our understanding of mid-eighteenth century Rhode Island commercial life."-The New England Quarterly

"traces the life of merchant John Banister of Newport, Rhode Island, to illustrate his position in the history of Newport and its consumers from the 1730's to the 1760's."-ProtoView

"[Desrosiers] has penned the best book on a colonial merchant from Newport.... This most welcome work, for historians and for readers interested in colonial Newport, deepens our understanding of Newport merchants and the world in which they lived in during the decades prior to the American Revolution"-Online Review of Rhode Island History

"Comprehensive and well-written...The rise and fall of the Banister family came to life...takes the reader on a journey of a family and 'how momentous decisions about liberty and loyalty affected Americans during the War for Independence."-Newport this Week

"Desrosiers dives deep into the detailed colonial merchant's accounting records and business journals to paint an intricate portrait of the business of colonial maritime trade...this book sheds light on details and nuances that have been otherwise left largely untouched by other historians...[the] level of detail will prove fascinating...a treasure trove of data and interesting details that paint a much clearer picture of a prominent early American merchant and the business of trade."-Sea History

"Sets the standard for what the writing of the economic and social history of early America should be"-The Northern Mariner

About the Author

Marian Mathison Desrosiers, PhD, a two-time Fulbright scholar, taught history at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. Publications include historical biographies on Colonel Mary Agnes Brown of the Women's Army Corps and Justice Florence Kerins Murray of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.