In this book, first published in 1886, the author achieved his goal of preparing a volume of reliable local history which should be entertaining as well as instructive. Mr. Goold begins with Captain Christopher Levett, who settled a plantation in 1623 on an island near the coastal area that would later become the town of Portland, Maine. Beginning with 1623, he spends the remaining 500-plus pages spinning a chronological history of Portland and the surrounding area through the mid-19th century. The author’s ability to strike a good balance among the various types of history-social, political, religious and armed conflict-is one reason for the success of this volume. The discussion of numerous individuals who played a role in and influenced the development of the region, such as Governor Robert Gorges, John Winter, Arthur Macworth, Governor Shirley and Governor Andros, to name a few, is another. Conflicts with the displaced Indian peoples were prevalent and came to a head during the First Indian (or Philip’s) and Second Indian Wars of the late 17th century. These wars and their effects upon the populace and further settlement have received due attention, as have the later wars such as the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War, the War with Tripoli and the War of 1812. An everyname plus subject index is available to ease the reader’s search for specific individuals, and over fifteen illustrations provide visual appeal. For the genealogical researcher, local historian or simply the interested reader, this extensive volume of history will be a valuable edition to the bookshelf.