Vanished Worlds, Enduring People

Robert Beverley. The History and Present State of Virginia, in Four Parts. London: R. Parker, 1705. [view first image] | [view second image]

Beverley, a plantation owner, carefully recorded his detailed observations of the customs of the Indians who lived near the James River in Virginia. In his time, more than 100 years since the first white settlement in the area, the native presence was greatly diminished. Beverley provides insight into the roles of women, religion, apparel, agriculture, and other areas of Indian society that would soon be irrevocably altered. Part iii of this book, which also covers the political and natural history of Virginia and its government, is devoted to “The Native Indians.” It is illustrated with engravings signed by Simon Gribelin, who adapted the 1590 de Bry engravings in Thomas Hariot’s Virginia.