Coleman analyzes demographics, revealing a central factor in Rhode Island's history--the extraordinary disparity from one town to another. There are sharp differences ranging from growth rates, population density, and the degree of urbanization to ethnic composition, mobility, and the incidence of illiteracy. Far from being homogeneous, as many believe, Rhode Island actually comprised a bundle of discreet entities, each of which responded distinctively to its opportunities.

Coleman analyzes demographics, revealing a central factor in Rhode Island's history--the extraordinary disparity from one town to another. There are sharp differences ranging from growth rates, population density, and the degree of urbanization to ethnic composition, mobility, and the incidence of illiteracy. Far from being homogeneous, as many believe, Rhode Island actually comprised a bundle of discreet entities, each of which responded distinctively to its opportunities.