Definitive reappraisal of a much misunderstood episode in pre-Revolutionary war history. Documents every legal incident that led to the massacre, reviews the crucial trials after the events, and analyzes the mob action of Boston dissidents.

His Majesty's province of Massachusetts Bay -- Imperial prologue -- Violence over stamps -- Violence over customs duties -- The customs commissioners -- The Liberty riot -- A most unequal war -- Troops to Boston -- The occupation begins -- Trumpets of sedition -- Death before impressment -- Soldiers and the law -- Coffee house brawl -- King Street showdown : John Mein -- Seider the martyr -- The Boston Massacre -- Preparation and procrastination -- Rex v. Preston -- Rex v. Wemms et al. -- The flame subsides.