26
Book Review
woman, well read in Scriptures....in great reputation throughout the island for her knowledge in matters of religion, and an oracle among them on that account, in so much that they would not do any thing without her advice and consent therein." He then asked her to form a local meeting of the Society of Friends. Husband Nathaniel, as ever centered in his own decisions, supported wife Mary's and son Nathaniel Jr.'s espousal of the Quaker, faith but did not join until 1709. Roland L. Warren has carefully researched his subject. He writes from a rich background as sociologist, Gug genheim Fellow, author and, more recently, playwright of the delightful Theatre Workshop production of "An Old Feud and a New House," in celebration (1986) of the 300th anniversary of the Oldest House on Nantucket. He makes excellent use of solid secon dary sources and the limited primary sources available, and skillfully threads his way through a confusion of myths, oral tradition, and inaccurate interpretations of previous historians, genealogists and authors. Much can be learned about the detective work of historical research by examining Warren's Post Script: Fact, Fiction and Con jecture." His bibliography is an invitation to good reading about Nan tucket, its settlers and families; about New England history, genealogy, and towns; about Quakers; and about writing biographies. His wife, Mary Hodges Warren, violin maker, is responsible for the book's exceptionally clear maps and attractive cover design. Those interested in Nantucket and Nantucketers will certainly want to read this warm, sensitively-written biographical portrait of the Island's earliest known woman of distinction and the times in which she lived. Mary Coffin Starbuck was, indeed, a great woman." (Helen Winslow Chase, a member of the Nantucket Historical Association Council, is Historian for the First Congregational Church of Nantucket and author ofjethro Coffin House Chronology 1686-1986.)
