When it was created in 1661, the Eastern Shore county of Talbot embraced the whole of Queen Anne’s, all of Caroline east of the Choptank River, and the southeast part of Kent County. This is a reprint of Oswald Tilghman’s magnificent history of his native county, and it should be welcomed by anyone wishing to obtain a full account of its beginnings, political contests, progress in education and industry, and its notable citizens. Volume I, which is subtitled The Worthies of Talbot County, contains biographical sketches of notable citizens, among whom are represented the men of the Goldsborough, Tilghman, Benton, Martin, Lloyd, Thomas, Kerr, Hambleton, Chamberlaine, Hollyday, Stevens, and other families. Volume II relates the history of Talbot County from its early settlement down to the beginning of the Civil War, with particular stress on the Colonial, Revolutionary, and War of 1812 periods.