A Key Into the Language of America - Softcover

Roger Williams

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0975960601 ISBN 13: 9780975960608

Synopsis

A Key Into the Language of America was written aboard a ship bound for England from Rhode Island, in 1643, by Roger Williams. First and foremost, it is a study of the language and customs of seventeenth century Narragansetts and Wampanoags, Algonquin speaking people whose ancestors had occupied the land surrounding Narragansett Bay for thousands of years. Although the format of the book suggests a dictionary with its extensive vocabulary lists, Williams, himself, described the book as an "implicit dialogue". One detects the meaning of his description in the focus on more universal questions such as ethics, morality and human character while recording the most mundane details of ordinary words and customs of everyday life. Thus it provides a unique and penetrating picture of pre-contact Native Americans, as well as a true key to unlock the secrets of the many forms, meanings and nuances of a forgotten age.

About this title

From the Publisher

The enduring value and importance of this ancient book is reflected in the various editions issued since its first publication. This new edition, called the Modern English Version, breaks with the tradition of reproducing the original text, and opts for changes in English spelling and grammar in order to make it more coherent to modern readers. In this new paperback edition, both scholars and casual readers alike will have a more accessible version of the best and most comprehensive ethnography of ancient Algonquin language and culture available. In addition to the Williams text, an introduction and chronology written and compiled by editor, Dennis Cerrotti, provide historical background and other information.

About the Author

Roger Williams, often referred to as the "father of religious liberty", was one of the best known dissenters against the Puritan theocracy established in New England during the early seventeenth century. Although he is best known for his advocacy for human rights and the separation of church and state, his efforts to achieve protection justice for the original inhabitants of the land was no less significant, though the results were far less successful in the long term. Nevertheless, his life and example stands out even today as a fearless defender of those whose lives would be trampled by injustice and intolerance.

Edition details

• ISBN 10: 0975960601
• ISBN 13: 9780975960608
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English