Gregory F. Snyder adds the personal and deeply rooted approach to his story about Major Ezra Putnam. As a descendant and historian, he relies on archives, court records, maps, family letters, and genealogical research to leave behind the heritage of Ezra Putnam to the next generations. His work is highly accurate and at the same time respectful of the human story in the documents. It is particularly important that this book does not seem far away or entirely scholarly.

It bears the voice of one who has spent actual time navigating locations, examining documents and constructing a life that counted. Snyder is a very responsible writer who has written a book that is informative, prudent and intimate to the readers. His personal identification with the subject makes the work friendly, meaningful, and engaging.