Williams, Roger. A Key into the Language of America, or as Help to the Languages of the Natives in that part of America called New-England; together with briefe Observations on the Customes, Manners, and Worships, &c. of the aforesaid Natives, in Peace and Warre, in Life and Death; (Collections of the Rhode-Island Historical Society, Vol. I.). Providence: Printed by John Miller, 1827. First American Edition. [11103]
Leather spine & corners, marbled boards, light surface wear, small ding top of spine, joints good, 8 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches, tight. Small blue ink private name stamp on the ffep, small newspaper clipping regarding Indian words on the frontispiece, which is a facsimile of Roger Williams's handwriting. 163, [3] pages, light infrequent foxing. Good. Hardcover.
Title continues: On all which are added, Spirituall Observations Generall and Particular, by the Authour, of Chiefe and Specaill Use (upon all occasions) to all the English Inhabiting those Parts; yet Pleasant and Profitable to the View of all Men.
A reprint of the London edition of 1643. This volume includes an account of the rise and progress of the Rhode Island Historical Society, and a sketch of the life of Roger Williams.
The Key begins on page 18.
The first book in the English language to undertake a study of Native American languages, namely the Narragansett, an Algonquian language. Several Indian words introduced here have become part of American English, for instance, moccasin, moose, papoose, powwow, squash, squaw, and succotash.
It was the most comprehensive account of Native American culture in New England in existence, written before their culture was disrupted by European influences. It was written by Roger Williams (1603-1883), an English missionary and friend of the tribes, the founder of Providence Plantations, the future Rhode Island.
