Staff Pick
The Lost Colony of Roanoke is easily the most enduring mystery in American history. Andrew Lawler brings us the politics, errors, and controversies that have kept the mystery of the colonists’ fate in the American psyche for generations, while modern historians, archaeologists, and amateurs keep the mystery alive with new discoveries and theories. Everything from the Dare Stones to modern DNA testing helps bring this story to new crossroads, and allows this American mystery to stay alive and well for future generations. Recommended By Corie K-B., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A sweeping account of America’s oldest unsolved mystery, the people racing to unearth its answer, and the sobering truths – about race, gender, and immigration – exposed by the Lost Colony of Roanoke
In 1587, 115 men, women, and children arrived at Roanoke Island on the coast of North Carolina. Chartered by Queen Elizabeth I, their colony was to establish England’s first foothold in the New World. But when the colony’s leader, John White, returned to Roanoke from a resupply mission, his settlers were nowhere to be found. They left behind only a single clue – a “secret token” carved into a tree. Neither White nor any other European laid eyes on the colonists again.
What happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke? For four hundred years, that question has consumed historians and amateur sleuths, leading only to dead ends and hoaxes. But after a chance encounter with a British archaeologist, journalist Andrew Lawler discovered that solid answers to the mystery were within reach. He set out to unravel the enigma of the lost settlers, accompanying competing researchers, each hoping to be the first to solve its riddle. In the course of his journey, Lawler encounters a host of characters obsessed with the colonists and their fate, and he determines why the Lost Colony continues to haunt our national consciousness.
Thrilling and absorbing, The Secret Token offers a new understanding not just of the first English settlement in the New World but of how its disappearance continues to define – and divide – America.
Review
“The Lost Colony of Roanoke is one of this country’s most enduring mysteries. Andrew Lawler turns Roanoke into one of our history’s best stories, recounting not only the fascinating, little-known history of the colony itself but that of the incredible swirl of historians, archaeologists, hoaxers, actors, priests, Native Americans, and experts on arcane subjects who have been caught up in the quest to find it. A tale of cock-eyed historical obsession, The Secret Token is also a serious look at America’s confused ideas about itself.” Charles Mann, New York Times bestselling author of The Wizard and the Prophet and 1491
Review
“[Lawler’s] willingness to chase down every lead, no matter how outlandish, and his enthusiasm for the journey as much as the destination, make The Secret Token a lively and engaging read.” The Economist
Review
“The Secret Token is a very special kind of popular history…diving headfirst into the latest developments regarding the fate of the colonists and providing colorful, affectionate portraits…Lawler sheds light on why the story of the Roanoke Colony remains so important today.” Salon
Review
“The Secret Token, spanning more than 400 years, offers the most authoritative account of the Lost Colony to date…[Lawler] recounts his arduous travels with clarity and insight.” Wall Street Journal
About the Author
ANDREW LAWLER is the author of the highly acclaimed Why Did the Chicken Cross the World?. He is a contributing writer for Science, a contributing editor for Archaeology Magazine, and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Slate.