A Kingdom Strange: The Brief and Tragic History of the Lost Colony of Roanoke

James Horn

Mar 2010 · Sold by Basic Books

About this ebook

In 1587, John White and 117 men, women, and children landed off the coast of North Carolina on Roanoke Island, hoping to carve a colony from fearsome wilderness. A mere month later, facing quickly diminishing supplies and a fierce native population, White sailed back to England in desperation. He persuaded the wealthy Sir Walter Raleigh, the expedition's sponsor, to rescue the imperiled colonists, but by the time White returned with aid the colonists of Roanoke were nowhere to be found. He never saw his friends or family again.

In this gripping account based on new archival material, colonial historian James Horn tells for the first time the complete story of what happened to the Roanoke colonists and their descendants. A compellingly original examination of one of the great unsolved mysteries of American history, A Kingdom Strange will be essential reading for anyone interested in our national origins.

Ratings and reviews

I have not had the full opportunity to read all of the book throughly..but there is a group of descendants who are researching their connections to the illusive mystery of the lost colony of Roanoke. My ancestral grandfather, William Strachey wrote some of his findings on these brave colonists. My ancestral grandfather John Earnest was one of the Lost Colonist among a few others. What a time to be living in the new world and the fascinating history to go with it. I hope to get this book on a e-reader as well...CRO...Chowan River Ohanoak..or as William Strachey so fondly said...Aeonig. One must remember also the history of Matoka as well..her mother rumored to be one of the "Ladies of the Lost Colony"... Thanks so much for taking such a interest in these families.I find many misunderstand the connections of the lost colonist..and how they were weaved into the fabric of Roanoke..without a choice and their survival. Or waiting 20 years for someone to come rescue you.. One must not forget the history of the Chowan River and 50 miles into the maine thus the migration into North Carolina..and the Chesapeake... So much more to come! Ramel

About the author

James Horn is the president of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation. He is author and editor of eight books on colonial American history, including A Land as God Made It: Jamestown and the Birth of America and A Brave and Cunning Prince: The Great Chief Opechancanough and the War for America. He lives in Richmond, Virginia.