A history of stepfamilies in early America

Stepfamilies are not a modern invention. George Washington, the father of the United States, was a stepfather, but despite this reality, the history of stepfamilies in America has yet to be fully explored.

This book examines the stereotypes and realities of colonial stepfamilies and reveals them as important figures in early United States domestic history.

Cultural views of stepfamilies during this time placed great strain on stepmothers and stepfathers, and both were viewed as either unfit substitutes or as potentially unstable influences.