People of the Fresh Water Lake presents evidence obtained from archaeological research about the lifeways of the prehistoric peoples of the town of Westborough, Massachusetts over the past 9000 years. More than this, it is an expression, by the professional archaeologist most familiar with the Westborough evidence, of the way in which New England archaeologists work to reconstruct that region's prehistoric past. Chapters on specific phases of Westborough's prehistory are interspersed with essays on the craft of archaeology, which are designed to engage the interest of the reader and to prepare him/her more fully to understand the evidence. The book is geared to the level of the educated reader who has an interest in the past, but not necessarily specific knowledge of either the methods used, or the results obtained, in the New England region.

Zusammenfassung
"At long last, a book that local historians, teachers, the curious, and the amateur archaeologist have been waiting for. 'People of the Fresh Water Lake' synthesizes what is known about the Nipmuck Indians from the time of the ice age hunters through the contact with the European settlers." (Ruth Warfield, President, Massachusetts Archaeological Society)
"Dr. Hoffman's findings in the 1980's have challenged many previous assumptions about early sites and increased our understanding of their prehistoric inhabitants...his untiring research and fieldwork have added new dimensions to our knowledge and perception of prehistoric archaeology in our area." (Jacqueline Tidman, Chair, Westborough Historical Commission)
"I like the alternating nature of chronology/culture history and archaelogical method and theory...(the) humor is delightful and refreshing." (Victoria Bunker, Archaelogist, New Hampshire)
"There is a comfortable inclusiveness about Hoffman's book. We are invited into the world of archeology and are presented a specific site to explore." (Linda C. Schreiber, Middlesex News)
"Hoffman nicely conveys to the reader how the archaeology of the Nipmuck locality compares and contrasts with other regions of southern New England and does it with a rare blend of humor and perspective that is refreshing in an archaeological study today." (Timothy K. Pertulla, American Antiquity)