The Boston Massacre: A Family History

In The Boston Massacre: A Family History, historian Serena Zabin offers a deeply human and revelatory retelling of one of America’s most iconic events. On a cold evening in 1770, British soldiers opened fire on Boston citizens, killing five men—but beneath this familiar story lies a web of personal connections and shared lives that history has long overlooked.

Drawing from original sources, Zabin uncovers a forgotten world where British soldiers lived side by side with Boston families, their wives and children forming part of the city’s social fabric. These soldiers and townspeople shared homes, friendships, and even baptisms, becoming neighbors before becoming enemies. When shots rang out on King Street, it was not only a political tragedy but also the shattering of a community bound by everyday ties.

Genre & Details:

• Genre: U.S. History / American Revolution / Social History
• Author: Serena Zabin
• Format: Hardcover