Precarity, Prosperity, and Boston's Death Economy in the 1721 Smallpox Epidemic

Erik R. Seeman

doi:10.1162/tneq_a_01057

Precarity, Prosperity, and Boston's Death Economy in the 1721 Smallpox Epidemic

Erik R. Seeman

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Boston's 1721 smallpox epidemic impoverished many, especially those already on the margins. More surprisingly, the epidemic also was a financial boon to the hundreds employed in Boston's “death economy.” Using court records, probate records, and more, this article argues that precarity and prosperity were intertwined in early modern seaports.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	4-41
Number of pages	38
Journal	New England Quarterly
Volume	98
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1162/tneq_a_01057
State	Published - Mar 2025

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abstract = "Boston's 1721 smallpox epidemic impoverished many, especially those already on the margins. More surprisingly, the epidemic also was a financial boon to the hundreds employed in Boston's “death economy.” Using court records, probate records, and more, this article argues that precarity and prosperity were intertwined in early modern seaports.",

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AB - Boston's 1721 smallpox epidemic impoverished many, especially those already on the margins. More surprisingly, the epidemic also was a financial boon to the hundreds employed in Boston's “death economy.” Using court records, probate records, and more, this article argues that precarity and prosperity were intertwined in early modern seaports.

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Precarity, Prosperity, and Boston's Death Economy in the 1721 Smallpox Epidemic

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