Samuel Mordecai

Virginia, Especially Richmond, in By-gone Days; with a Glance at the Present: Being Reminiscences and Last Words of an Old Citizen. Second Edition Samuel Mordecai

A "Must Read" when first released in 1856, and, again, with the release of the Second Edition in 1860. One reviewer comments, "A more delightful ... volume than this we have not read for many moons. No one who peruses it with a knowledge of localities can fail to render his thanks to the author for the gratification afforded by such lively annals, while the distant reader will find much to interest him in the account incidentally given of such stirring events as the burning of the Theatre, and the pleasant social portraitures of half-a-century ago." The author manages to pen a substantial history, as well as his recollections, into a 350 page volume that addresses numerous subjects, issues and individuals. In 39 chapters he covers: the history of the Richmond area, including land grants, the establishment of the town, and the seat of government; the British Merchants and Commercial "Quacks", including evasion of usury, sham bills, monopoly, and more; Buildings, houses, and commercial establishments; Business establishments; Residences and their Occupants; Religious life and churches; Clothing fashions; Interesting characters; Places of Amusement; Physicians; Newspapers and Printers; Publicans and Patriots; Races and Balls; Societies; Evening Pastimes; Flush Times in Richmond; Roads, bridges, and the James River Canal; Financial, Insurance and Manufacturing sectors and institutions; Monuments and Museums; and the Colored Aristocracy. Paperback, (1860), repr. 2011, 359 pp.