‘A Key into the Language of America: The First Book of Native American Languages, Dating to 1643 – With Accounts of the Tribes’ Culture, Wars, Folklore’

Roger Williams' guide to the language of the Native American tribes was the first of its kind ever published; as well as linguistic instruction, we receive stunning insights into the culture and customs of the New England tribes. This historic text was written to accomplish two goals: Firstly, it is a practical, instructional guidebook written with the colonial society in mind. Particularly where religious missions are concerned, but also in general, the author feels that colonialists should have a command of Native American languages. Williams passionately believed in peaceful coexistence, and realized that an understanding of the native speech was crucial for this. Secondly, the book aims to promote understanding of Native American culture. What customs the tribes practice, the foods they eat, their marital and social mores, their methods of communicating knowledge, how they regard the many beasts of nature, and how trade and commerce is practiced are but some of the topics Williams discusses.