"From fiercely ambitious and independent colonial towns to the media circus of the Presidential primary, from prosperous masting trade to high-tech industry, this book traces the colorful political and economic crosscurrents of New Hampshire's history." "Both informative and entertaining, Heffernan and Stecker's work tells the story of the state's development from the first European settlements through the dawn of the twenty-first century. This new, updated edition addresses such topics as the Claremont school funding case; the impeachment of Justice Brock and the U.S. Supreme Court appointment of David Souter; and especially the boom and bust of the nineties and early twenty-first century, including discussion of such major industries as Tyco and Cabletron and their role in the state's economy. The book also offers a timeline of important events and an updated bibliography." "From a few settlers engaged in fishing and lumbering to the burgeoning development of the last decade, this book offers a history of the growth and development of the Granite State."--BOOK JACKET.