This book, written by James Phinney Baxter, A.M., in 1893, tells the story of Christopher Levett, who in 1623 sailed to New England to establish new settlements along the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts. His primary goal was to establish a city he would call York, which would become the third of England's Royal Colonies. He traveled up the coast from Massachusetts to New Brunswick, discovering the Saco and Nonesuch rivers as well as the land that would become the city of Portland, Maine. Levett built the first house in the region now known as Casco Bay and then sailed back to England in an attempt to convince others to join him in the new colony. However, he was unsuccessful, and circumstances prevented him from returning to New England until 1629. During this time in England he wrote his memoir of the journey, A Voyage into New England , which was published in 1628. Two years after his second trip to New England, Levett again sailed back to England, but it was to be his last voyage. He died during the journey and was buried at sea.

When the Maine Historical Society reprinted Levett's book in 1847, very little was known about him. Author James Phinney Baxter spent a considerable amount of time researching records in England to try to uncover information about Christopher Levett. His diligent research uncovered the names of his wife and children, their dates of birth, the date of Levett's death, and much more valuable information. Baxter's book does not trace the descendants of Levett's children, but he does Levett's book is included in its entirety.

The original text is in the NEHGS Rare Books Collection, call number RB/F16/G66/no. 5

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