Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. List of Tables vii
4. Acknowledgments ix
5. Preface xi
6. Chapter One. American Exceptionalism and the Northern Countryside 1
7. Chapter Two. Inheritance and Life-Chances in Comparative Perspective 24
8. Chapter Three. Universal Features of Inheritance in Connecticut 46
9. Chapter Four. Equality and Inequality Among Children 61
10. Chapter Five. Inherited Obligations and Kinship Ties 82
11. Chapter Six. Parental Power, Marriage, and the Timing of Inheritance 103
12. Chapter Seven. Patriarchal Households and Inheritance by Women 119
13. Chapter Eight. Families, Creditors, and Neighbors: Estate Administration 138
14. Conclusion 157
15. Appendix A. The Probate Population and Gross Wealth: A Check 173
16. Appendix B. Profile of the Probate Population 177
17. Appendix C. Sources and a Note on Significance Testing 190
18. Bibliography 195
19. Index 207