Lineage of Rev. Richard Mather (Classic Reprint) - Genealogy

In this review the Lineage of Rev. Richard Mather (Classic Reprint) is examined as a focused genealogical excerpt valuable to historians and family researchers. The bottom line: this reprint delivers a dense, primary-source style narrative that is best for readers who want detailed anecdotal and academic remarks about the Mather family; its biggest virtue is the inclusion of biographical detail and contemporary testimony that places individual family members in their scholarly and social context.

Key Features

• Historical excerpt: The book reproduces original commentary that preserves firsthand perspectives on the Mather family and their wider intellectual reputation.
• Biographical focus: Includes specific anecdotes about Rev. Increase Mather and Rev. Nathaniel Mather that illustrate early academic precocity and family achievements.
• Contemporary testimony: Quotes and references to authorities like Professor Pond and Rev. Chandler Robbins give context and defend the family against narrow criticism.
• Academic interest: Notes such as Nathaniel Mather delivering his valedictory in Hebrew highlight the work's usefulness for scholars of early American education and language study.
• Compact reference: As a reprint excerpt, it is convenient for readers seeking targeted genealogical information without a multi-volume commitment.

Who It's For

The Lineage of Rev. Richard Mather (Classic Reprint) is aimed at genealogists, local historians, and readers interested in New England clerical families who want primary-style material and contemporary evaluations of notable figures. Its strength lies in its specific anecdotes and references that support deeper research into family lineage and academic life in the period.

Readers seeking a broad, modern narrative history with interpretive analysis or richly illustrated family trees may want a fuller genealogical volume or a modern edited edition; this reprint functions more as a primary excerpt and reference than a general-interest biography.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Preserves original commentary and testimony useful for primary-source research.
• Includes detailed biographical notes that reveal academic achievements and early schooling.
• Useful for scholars tracing language study and valedictory practices in early colleges.

Cons

• As an excerpt reprint, it lacks modern annotation and expanded genealogical charts that some researchers prefer.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Lineage of Rev. Richard Mather (Classic Reprint) is a worthwhile, compact reference for genealogists and historians who need original-style testimony and focused biographical detail on the Mather family. It offers clear value to researchers seeking primary commentary, though those wanting annotated modern editions or expansive family trees may need supplemental sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a full genealogical volume?
This edition is an excerpt reprint focused on lineage and biographical testimony, not a comprehensive, fully annotated family history.

Who contributed the commentary cited in the book?
The reprint includes contemporary testimony and references to figures such as Professor Pond and Rev. Chandler Robbins.

Does it include details about Nathaniel Mather's education?
Yes, it records anecdotes such as Nathaniel Mather graduating at the head of his class and delivering a valedictory in Hebrew.