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A Brave and Cunning Prince: The Great Chief Opechancanough and the War for America
The extraordinary story of the Powhatan chief who waged a lifelong struggle to drive European settlers from his homeland
In the mid-sixteenth century, Spanish explorers in the Chesapeake Bay kidnapped an Indian child and took him back to Spain and subsequently to Mexico. The boy converted to Catholicism and after nearly a decade was able to return to his land with a group of Jesuits to establish a mission. Shortly after arriving, he organized a war party that killed them.
In the years that followed, Opechancanough (as the English called him), helped establish the most powerful chiefdom in the mid-Atlantic region. When English settlers founded Virginia in 1607, he fought tirelessly to drive them away, leading to a series of wars that spanned the next forty years the first Anglo-Indian wars in America and came close to destroying the colony.
A Brave and Cunning Prince is the first book to chronicle the life of this remarkable chief, exploring his early experiences of European society and his long struggle to save his people from conquest.
In the mid-sixteenth century, Spanish explorers in the Chesapeake Bay kidnapped an Indian child and took him back to Spain and subsequently to Mexico. The boy converted to Catholicism and after nearly a decade was able to return to his land with a group of Jesuits to establish a mission. Shortly after arriving, he organized a war party that killed them.
In the years that followed, Opechancanough (as the English called him), helped establish the most powerful chiefdom in the mid-Atlantic region. When English settlers founded Virginia in 1607, he fought tirelessly to drive them away, leading to a series of wars that spanned the next forty years the first Anglo-Indian wars in America and came close to destroying the colony.
A Brave and Cunning Prince is the first book to chronicle the life of this remarkable chief, exploring his early experiences of European society and his long struggle to save his people from conquest.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2021
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328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 16, 2023
A truly remarkable book. In very clear, crisp prose, James Horn, the President and Chief Officer of Jametown Rediscovery, tells the fascinating story of Opechancanough, the brother of Chief Powhatan. Taken to Spain at an early age, Opechancanough -- dubbed Don Luis de Velasco by the Spanish -- met King Philip II, saw the great treasure fleets bringing the riches of the New World to Spain, and, most importantly, saw in Mexico what conquest and religious conversion did to the Aztec peoples. Determined not to let the same thing happen to his native Powhatan Confederacy, he persuaded the head of the Jesuits sent to establish a mission in the Chesapeake Bay not to take along a body of soldiers. As a result, the mission would be wiped out by Opechancanough and his warriors in 1571.
When English settlers arrived at Jamestown in 1607, Opechancanough and Powhatan were most interested to see whether they intended to stay. By 1609-10, believing that the English intended to settle permanently, the Indian leaders withheld food supplies, and nearly succeeded in driving the English out -- just as the remaining Jamestown survivors were moving down the James River, they encountered an English relief ship, bringing men and more importantly, food. The Indian chieftains allowed trade with the English so as to acquire their weapons. Thus, in 1622, when English plans to take and educate Indian youths became known, the allied Tribes -- the Powhatan, the Pamunkey, the Mattaponi, the Paspahegh and the Chickhominy -- struck in a series of surprise attacks (Opechancanough knew that set battles favored the English, with their firearms, cannon and coats of mail). English losses were staggering, but they managed to survive, thanks in part to food supplied by the Patawomecks and Accomacs, Tribes suspicious of the Powhatan Confederacy.
By 1644, Virginia had become a Royal colony, and the settler presence was much larger. Opechancanough knew, however, that the English Civil War meant the settlers would be divided, and another massive surprise attack was launched. While many English lives were lost, the colony hung on. By 1646, Opechancanough was a very old man, and the English captured him and took him to Jamestown. Sadly, during his captivity, an English settler shot the great chief in the back, resulting in his death.
This book is extraordinarily well researched, and revealed a treasure trove of historical fact that you would think I, a native of the Virginia Peninsula, would have been taught in school, but was not. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
When English settlers arrived at Jamestown in 1607, Opechancanough and Powhatan were most interested to see whether they intended to stay. By 1609-10, believing that the English intended to settle permanently, the Indian leaders withheld food supplies, and nearly succeeded in driving the English out -- just as the remaining Jamestown survivors were moving down the James River, they encountered an English relief ship, bringing men and more importantly, food. The Indian chieftains allowed trade with the English so as to acquire their weapons. Thus, in 1622, when English plans to take and educate Indian youths became known, the allied Tribes -- the Powhatan, the Pamunkey, the Mattaponi, the Paspahegh and the Chickhominy -- struck in a series of surprise attacks (Opechancanough knew that set battles favored the English, with their firearms, cannon and coats of mail). English losses were staggering, but they managed to survive, thanks in part to food supplied by the Patawomecks and Accomacs, Tribes suspicious of the Powhatan Confederacy.
By 1644, Virginia had become a Royal colony, and the settler presence was much larger. Opechancanough knew, however, that the English Civil War meant the settlers would be divided, and another massive surprise attack was launched. While many English lives were lost, the colony hung on. By 1646, Opechancanough was a very old man, and the English captured him and took him to Jamestown. Sadly, during his captivity, an English settler shot the great chief in the back, resulting in his death.
This book is extraordinarily well researched, and revealed a treasure trove of historical fact that you would think I, a native of the Virginia Peninsula, would have been taught in school, but was not. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 5, 2025
Out of all of the well known Native American leaders in history, one has been sadly overlooked. Names like Geronimo, Cochise, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Pontiac, Tecumseh, Black Hawk, Osceola, Metacom(King Philip), and Powhatan are easily recognized and much historical research and writing has been dedicated to them. Yet, one of the most influential and important has been largely forgotten. His name was Opechancanough, and the first English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia knew him well and was nearly obliterated by his leadership on several occasions. They feared and respected him, but even today, very few have even heard his name, and far fewer know anything of his story.
James Horn has sought to resurrect the fascinating tale of Opechancanough from the mists of time. His primary thesis of this work is to identify Opechancanough as the same individual as a Pamunkey tribal youth captured by the Spanish in 1561 by the name of Paquiquineo. In this, Horn makes a compelling argument. Paquiquineo was taken to Spain, lived in Mexico, crossed the Atlantic Ocean several times, and ultimately returned to his people of the Powhatan Confederation of tidewater Virginia after a decade long absence to become its second in command and leading war chief.
While much of the evidence is highly circumstantial, the manner in which Horn connects the dots on various commonalities between the two individuals makes a convincing case. The story of the Jamestown settlement and early colonial Virginia, and its conflict with the Native American people of the region is as mesmerizing as can be found among the history of English colonization of North America. While most are familiar with the story of the Pilgrims of Plymouth Bay and their relationship with the local Wampanoag tribe under Massasoit, very few know much more about Jamestown than Chief Powhatan sparing the life of John Smith because of the intervention of his daughter Pocahontas. Yet, that is less than the tip of the iceberg on this story.
I did really enjoy reading this. My only complaint is that there are significant portions of the book in which Opechancanough fades into the background. It is understandable, as the only sources about him are secondary, so any historian is at the mercy of the Jamestown settlers and their letters and reports about interaction with the local indigenous people. However, this is among the most foundational of all “American history”, and I highly encourage anyone with an interest in that American history to read this and learn more about the mysterious and fascinating Opechancanough.
James Horn has sought to resurrect the fascinating tale of Opechancanough from the mists of time. His primary thesis of this work is to identify Opechancanough as the same individual as a Pamunkey tribal youth captured by the Spanish in 1561 by the name of Paquiquineo. In this, Horn makes a compelling argument. Paquiquineo was taken to Spain, lived in Mexico, crossed the Atlantic Ocean several times, and ultimately returned to his people of the Powhatan Confederation of tidewater Virginia after a decade long absence to become its second in command and leading war chief.
While much of the evidence is highly circumstantial, the manner in which Horn connects the dots on various commonalities between the two individuals makes a convincing case. The story of the Jamestown settlement and early colonial Virginia, and its conflict with the Native American people of the region is as mesmerizing as can be found among the history of English colonization of North America. While most are familiar with the story of the Pilgrims of Plymouth Bay and their relationship with the local Wampanoag tribe under Massasoit, very few know much more about Jamestown than Chief Powhatan sparing the life of John Smith because of the intervention of his daughter Pocahontas. Yet, that is less than the tip of the iceberg on this story.
I did really enjoy reading this. My only complaint is that there are significant portions of the book in which Opechancanough fades into the background. It is understandable, as the only sources about him are secondary, so any historian is at the mercy of the Jamestown settlers and their letters and reports about interaction with the local indigenous people. However, this is among the most foundational of all “American history”, and I highly encourage anyone with an interest in that American history to read this and learn more about the mysterious and fascinating Opechancanough.
January 27, 2024
“A brave and cunning prince” follows the little told story of opechancanough and the struggle of the many chiefdoms, of native Americans, in the Chesapeake bay.
There’s many things I appreciate about this book. The chronology of the book is something I enjoyed, and really helped to keep track of everything that was happening. It was very meticulously ordered and very rarely jumped ahead in time. James horn always let you know where you are, and what year it was, and the wider context of the location and time.
I also liked that as best as was possible, James horn tried to present the Native American perspective, despite the lack of historical documents from their perspective. Any quotes or claims were always backed up with a historical quote or document.
Overall the book does a great job of presenting the era and laying out the life of Opechancanough, and was a fun read.
There’s many things I appreciate about this book. The chronology of the book is something I enjoyed, and really helped to keep track of everything that was happening. It was very meticulously ordered and very rarely jumped ahead in time. James horn always let you know where you are, and what year it was, and the wider context of the location and time.
I also liked that as best as was possible, James horn tried to present the Native American perspective, despite the lack of historical documents from their perspective. Any quotes or claims were always backed up with a historical quote or document.
Overall the book does a great job of presenting the era and laying out the life of Opechancanough, and was a fun read.
February 11, 2022
Through careful scholarship and a bit of deduction, James Horn asserts that Paquinqueo, the Powhatan youth taken to Spain in the late 16th century and christened Don Louis, is the same individual as Opechancanough, the Powhatan war chief who led the 1622 and 1644 uprisings against the English settlers in Virginia. Up until this point, the prevailing view was that Paquinqueo and Opechancanough were related, but not the same person.
Mr. Horn builds his case by describing events in 16/17th century Virginia from the perspective of the Powhatan confederacy. He starts with Paquinqueo's travels to Spain and return to Virginia. Then looks at the arrival and slow expansions of English settlements after their first landing at Jamestown from the perspective of Chief Powhatan. The contemporary documentation is scant, and often so clouded with cultural fog that becomes nearly opaque. By assembling the available evidence from English letters, journals, campaign movements, and company reports, Mr. Horn reaches his conclusion. He then goes on to give us the closest thing to a biography of Opechancanough that exists, set within a political history of the Powhatan Confederacy.
This larger political history is the book's biggest strength. By not treating them as a backdrop or supporting cast to the story of Jamestown, Mr. Horn illuminates their autonomy and the complexity of the world they lived in. Beset on all sides by competitors, Chief Powhatan had to maintain a careful balance of power, an effort that was both enabled and disrupted by the English settlement full of potential high-tech weaponry and links to European supply. Opechancanough's knowledge of the Europeans was a critical factor in Powhatan's decisions, with the most spectacular being the initiation of the 1622 uprising.
Highly readable and complete with well-drawn maps to accompany events, this is a good book for anyone interested in the early interaction between Europeans and Native Americans in Virginia. For the wider audience, they may find it interesting, but not as gripping (that's the only reason I gave it four stars).
Mr. Horn builds his case by describing events in 16/17th century Virginia from the perspective of the Powhatan confederacy. He starts with Paquinqueo's travels to Spain and return to Virginia. Then looks at the arrival and slow expansions of English settlements after their first landing at Jamestown from the perspective of Chief Powhatan. The contemporary documentation is scant, and often so clouded with cultural fog that becomes nearly opaque. By assembling the available evidence from English letters, journals, campaign movements, and company reports, Mr. Horn reaches his conclusion. He then goes on to give us the closest thing to a biography of Opechancanough that exists, set within a political history of the Powhatan Confederacy.
This larger political history is the book's biggest strength. By not treating them as a backdrop or supporting cast to the story of Jamestown, Mr. Horn illuminates their autonomy and the complexity of the world they lived in. Beset on all sides by competitors, Chief Powhatan had to maintain a careful balance of power, an effort that was both enabled and disrupted by the English settlement full of potential high-tech weaponry and links to European supply. Opechancanough's knowledge of the Europeans was a critical factor in Powhatan's decisions, with the most spectacular being the initiation of the 1622 uprising.
Highly readable and complete with well-drawn maps to accompany events, this is a good book for anyone interested in the early interaction between Europeans and Native Americans in Virginia. For the wider audience, they may find it interesting, but not as gripping (that's the only reason I gave it four stars).
July 16, 2023
As a youth, there was a story of the Native American (or "American Indian", as it was said then) that went more or less thusly: the Europeans came to North America, and made deals with them, and then doublecrossed and broke those treaties. The native tribes, who were too honest or too gullible or not violent enough, or perhaps just too few in number, were pushed down and then herded onto reservations. While in some important ways preferable to the received wisdom of a few generations before, in which "Indians" were the enemy, this book shows how it falls short of the reality in many ways.
This is the story, primarily, of Opechancanough, a Powhatan chief. James Horn subscribes to the theory (supported by other historians, but by no means generally regarded as proven) that this is the same individual known to the Spanish Don Luis. Many historians believe that Don Luis was another Powhatan, perhaps a relative of Opechancanough. Regardless of the truth of the matter, the surprising reality is that when the English came to Jamestown, Virginia to begin settling there, the Powhatan already knew several things:
1) they knew of the existence of Europe, having sent one of their own (Don Luis) to live there for a time
2) they knew how the Spanish had conquered the Aztec empire, Don Luis having seen the conditions of the Aztecs with his own eyes
3) they knew that European colonies were best eliminated early; Don Luis convinced the natives near the Spanish Ajacon Mission to slaughter every Spaniard, which successfully prevented the Virginia peninsula from becoming another Spanish colony
That the Powhatan chief known by that name, most famous now as the father of Pocohontas, did not take Opechancanough's advice and kill the Jamestown English at the first opportunity, is likely then not due to any gullibility or unawareness, much less disinclination towards violence when required. Rather, it was because the English were not his only, or at that point even his major problem. He had other neighbors, and the English were at first a valuable counterweight (and potentially source of advanced weaponry).
He was also no stranger to tactical deceit; the famous story of Pocohontas saving John Smith from imminent execution by Powhatan was almost certainly concocted by Powhatan ahead of time, to convey to the English that he was not to be trifled with, while still leaving them alive as a potentially valuable ally.
Moreover, as Powhatan grew old and Opechancanough became preeminent, the natives did come within a hair's breadth of successfully eliminating the English. Jamestown's population plummeted, and that which remained faced starvation. If their luck had been slightly worse (in pitched battles or raids, or their luck with weather allowing for ships from England to bring reinforcements and supplies), they might have joined Roanoke or Ajacon Mission in the long list of early European settlements that did not survive.
As it is, we begin the book knowing that Opechancanough (possibly aka Don Luis) is doomed to defeat, and his efforts to prevent the English from doing to his people what the Spanish did to the Aztec empire will fail. Nonetheless, while the quantity of violence (on all sides) is considerable, there is much to admire in his lifelong efforts to stem the tide, and even some lessons to be learned from his story. If you have stomach enough to read of what people did to survive in a rougher time, it is a fascinating story.
This is the story, primarily, of Opechancanough, a Powhatan chief. James Horn subscribes to the theory (supported by other historians, but by no means generally regarded as proven) that this is the same individual known to the Spanish Don Luis. Many historians believe that Don Luis was another Powhatan, perhaps a relative of Opechancanough. Regardless of the truth of the matter, the surprising reality is that when the English came to Jamestown, Virginia to begin settling there, the Powhatan already knew several things:
1) they knew of the existence of Europe, having sent one of their own (Don Luis) to live there for a time
2) they knew how the Spanish had conquered the Aztec empire, Don Luis having seen the conditions of the Aztecs with his own eyes
3) they knew that European colonies were best eliminated early; Don Luis convinced the natives near the Spanish Ajacon Mission to slaughter every Spaniard, which successfully prevented the Virginia peninsula from becoming another Spanish colony
That the Powhatan chief known by that name, most famous now as the father of Pocohontas, did not take Opechancanough's advice and kill the Jamestown English at the first opportunity, is likely then not due to any gullibility or unawareness, much less disinclination towards violence when required. Rather, it was because the English were not his only, or at that point even his major problem. He had other neighbors, and the English were at first a valuable counterweight (and potentially source of advanced weaponry).
He was also no stranger to tactical deceit; the famous story of Pocohontas saving John Smith from imminent execution by Powhatan was almost certainly concocted by Powhatan ahead of time, to convey to the English that he was not to be trifled with, while still leaving them alive as a potentially valuable ally.
Moreover, as Powhatan grew old and Opechancanough became preeminent, the natives did come within a hair's breadth of successfully eliminating the English. Jamestown's population plummeted, and that which remained faced starvation. If their luck had been slightly worse (in pitched battles or raids, or their luck with weather allowing for ships from England to bring reinforcements and supplies), they might have joined Roanoke or Ajacon Mission in the long list of early European settlements that did not survive.
As it is, we begin the book knowing that Opechancanough (possibly aka Don Luis) is doomed to defeat, and his efforts to prevent the English from doing to his people what the Spanish did to the Aztec empire will fail. Nonetheless, while the quantity of violence (on all sides) is considerable, there is much to admire in his lifelong efforts to stem the tide, and even some lessons to be learned from his story. If you have stomach enough to read of what people did to survive in a rougher time, it is a fascinating story.
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December 5, 2022The story of a little known Indian chief who lived to nearly a hundred and fought both Spanish and English colonists on America's east coast from the 1540s to 1640s. It's an incredible life. As a young man he fought the Spanish, was captured and converted to Catholicism. He was taken to Spain where he met the king and became something of a celebrity. Eight years later he was reunited with his people where he turned the tables on the Jesuits, pretending to be their friend he then fashioned the massacre of one of their exploring parties. This chief next appears in Virginia and is witness and opponent to British attempts to settle at Jamestown. Using many of the same tactics he has against the Spanish he befriends the English and then attacks. This section of the book is repetitive and gruesomely tiresome, Indian attack followed by British attack ad infinitum. In 1622 and 1644 the chief launched mass attacks to try and push the English out. He simply didn't have the resources to be successful. Horn is convinced these two lives are one but there has to be some doubt. All the evidence that they are one guy (the Spanish and English resister) are from European sources since Chief Opechacanough left no records.
January 18, 2024
The story of one of the most prolific Native American war chiefs that you’ve never heard of. Captured or willingly went with the Spanish after they made an expedition to the Chesapeake Bay Area. Then he set off to see Spain, many of its territories and Mexico. His time in colonial Spain stuck with him and when years later he got the chance to return home all the terrors that he had witnessed were fresh on his mind. Determined not to let his people suffer the same fate as natives abused by the Spanish he led a raid killing Spanish jesuits who had set up in his home territory. Driving the Spanish from that area indefinitely. Then years later when the English arrived he set out to drive them out as well. His raids lead against the settlers in Jamestown and surrounding areas killed many hundreds and nearly drove the English to turn around and go home like the Spanish did years prior.
Although he was ultimately unsuccessful in defending his people. His intelligence, timing, and strategy were seemingly the best they could’ve been. If you think the battle of little big horn was a big deal you need to read this book. It’s surprising the English we’re ultimately able to win out against the natives around James town and Opechancanough.
Although he was ultimately unsuccessful in defending his people. His intelligence, timing, and strategy were seemingly the best they could’ve been. If you think the battle of little big horn was a big deal you need to read this book. It’s surprising the English we’re ultimately able to win out against the natives around James town and Opechancanough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
There is so much to learn from this book. I didn't know what the struggle was for the Indians because of course all the men involved in the land grab are lauded as heroes in our history books. But the indigenous people suffered greatly at our hands and like the worst versions of ourselves, we felt we had to colonize and bring them into our ways. Pocahontas for example wasn't a cute little native girl who fell in love with John Rolfe. She was a princess of the Powhatan nation and only seventeen years old. She was tricked into becoming a hostage and was held captive for over a year because her Chieftain father thought that to barter for her freedom would be a sign of weakness. Stockholm Syndrome set in and, feeling abandoned by her tribe, she allowed herself to be converted to Christianity, renamed Rebecca and married a man more than twice her age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
As a direct descendant of an early Jamestown settler, and having visited a few years ago and stood on a replica of the ship Godspeed, on which this ancestor arrived in 1610, I have a continuing interest in the history of this time and place. By telling that history through the life of Opechancanough, the smarter brother of the much better known chief Powhatan, readers gain more detail and a deeper understanding of how the late 16th to mid-17th century played out in that area. And what with all the turmoil, violence and disease, it was astounding that Opechancanough lived to 100! In a word, I was fascinated.
The detailed timeline of this period at the end of the book was a most appreciated bonus.
The detailed timeline of this period at the end of the book was a most appreciated bonus.
July 4, 2024
The author makes the case that Paquiquineo/Don Luis was the same person as Opechancanough. Whether or not the reader chooses to agree with that argument, tying the lives of these two (?) men together tells a seamless and fascinating narrative about Native American awareness of the early European invasions and their reactions to the coming threat. The Don Luis narrative goes a long way to setting the stage for the brutality in the second part of the book. Along the way, we meet familiar figures like King Philip II, John Smith, Pocahontas, and others. Seeing the familiar narratives like Jamestown and Roanoake seen from a Native American perspective was illuminating. Overall, this was a very interesting biography about a man (or two) I had never heard of before, but was glad to learn about.
October 6, 2023
Another world. Vividly describes and untangles the complex webs of civilization that confronted each other in what is now Virginia. Different styles of rule and technical skills collide along the rivers of the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1600s. How corn, gunpowder, religion, betrayal, and coincidence shaped history in an epic tale. Fascinating characters like Pocahontas and Powhatan match wits with Captain John Smith et al. An invaluable story, well-researched and enjoyably told. A bit of repetition due to the ambitious scope and a couple of convoluted sentences hardly mar this grand, vital saga.
October 25, 2024
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Purchased at Jamestown earlier in the year. This is a very detailed history that clearly explains when the author/researcher had to make assumptions. (Which I appreciate immensely!) This was very academic but still readable and as I was supremely ignorant of this period of history I enjoyed the information greatly.
I may even be a Jamestown era snob now, because, you know, I’ve read a book and now I’m an expert. 😉
Seriously though, how is it that schools are still teaching such blatant misinformation about the ‘innocence’ and ‘ignorance’ of the native tribes during this period. It’s mind boggling.
Purchased at Jamestown earlier in the year. This is a very detailed history that clearly explains when the author/researcher had to make assumptions. (Which I appreciate immensely!) This was very academic but still readable and as I was supremely ignorant of this period of history I enjoyed the information greatly.
I may even be a Jamestown era snob now, because, you know, I’ve read a book and now I’m an expert. 😉
Seriously though, how is it that schools are still teaching such blatant misinformation about the ‘innocence’ and ‘ignorance’ of the native tribes during this period. It’s mind boggling.
June 18, 2025
Makes the case that Opechancanough, 17th century chief of the Powhatans, and leader of the 1622 Indian uprising in Virginia was ... the same person as Don Luis, the boy who was kidnapped by the Spanish in the 1560s, saw much of their colonization efforts, went to Spain, and then returned with some Jesuit missionaries before turning on them and murdering them all (likely in response to the results of Spanish colonization that he'd seen). He makes a strong case, but really, the entire book is a great telling of the history of 16th and 17th century Virginia, with Opechancanough centered as the main character.
January 25, 2022
Not a bad book, but a bit unfocused. I'm not sure there was enough material here to really be a book about Chief Opechanchanough so it winds up being about him and Powhatan and John Smith and the Jamestown colony and and and..... I did learn more about the specific interactions between the colonists and the Indigenous people of the area but this felt like a shorter portion of a bigger story than a finished product to me.
February 9, 2023
An excellent covering of a seldom mentioned part of the history of the conquest of North America by the people of Europe. While there might be some debate on a few of the details, such as: were Opechancanough and Paquiquineo actually the same man? none of those take away from the book as a whole. Even as a descendant of the invaders who should be happy that they won, I couldn't help but mentally cheer for Opechancanough and his people and their defense of their homeland.
January 4, 2022
Horn tells the story of a young Indian taken to Spain in 1561 and then Mexico, New Spain who is renamed Don Luis and sent back to Virginia with a group of Spanish Jesuits in 1570. He led their massacre and then later fought against the English at Opecnancanough. Particularly during the 1609-1610 Starving Time and the Massacres of 1622 and 1644. He died as a prisoner of the English about 1646.
May 21, 2022
Excellent biography of the Native American Chief Opechancanough of the Powhatan Tribe who lived for about one hundred years during both the Spanish and English explorations of the Americas.
Horn's account is well-documented and researched clearly documenting the struggles and wars between the natives and the Europeans who were taking their land.
Horn's account is well-documented and researched clearly documenting the struggles and wars between the natives and the Europeans who were taking their land.
March 16, 2022
Amazing story about an incredible individual, told well. Lots of detail on the interaction between early English colonies in the Chesapeake and the indigenous peoples they encountered. Highly recommended.
March 13, 2022
Compelling.
March 19, 2022
A concise assembly of history that tells the tale of a warrior chief and his leadership to drive settlers from already occupied lands. Sticks to the facts for the most part.
July 5, 2022
A very interesting book. Opechancanough had an amazing life, and did the best he could for his people.
January 7, 2023
A 2022 staff favorite recommended by Cheryle. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore...
June 26, 2023
This book further drives home the point that Disney got Pocahontas wrong.
April 12, 2024
It was a good look at more history that is omitted. But it did point out that the English were always pompous asses.
September 23, 2024
Yes I learned something no I can’t count how many battles
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews