WILLIAM WOOD (fl.1629-1635)

First published in 1634, this is the earliest topographical account of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Written by a resident during the years 1629 to 1633, it contained the first detailed map of the southern part of New England. Wood described the country, its people and settlements in the first part of his work and limited the second part to observations on the Indians. New Englands Prospect was well written, and it proved popular enough to be reprinted several times.