The History of King Philip

by John S.C. Abbott

In this popular version of the History of King Philip, John Abbott writes a narrative on the career of Metacomet, son of Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag. Collected from many original sources, Abbott traces the events that led to the uprising later known as King Philip?s war. Metacomet tried to maintain his father?s peaceful policies with the Colonists, but they pushed ever farther into tribal lands and tried to impose their laws on the native people. Resistance to the demands for more food, land and submission to English law escalated into open revolt. Uniting the Nipmuck, Narragansett and Wampanoag tribes, Metacomet led a doomed effort to preserve the Indian way of life.

Genres: History

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1857

About the author

John Stevens Cabot Abbott (Andover Theological Seminary; Bowdoin College, 1825) was a historian, Congregationalist pastor, and pedagogical writer. With his brothers, including Gorham and Jacob Abbott, he was a co-founder of Abbott Collegiate Institute for Young Ladies in New York City.

Reviews

[Marta E C R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal, but glad I read this. It will be very helpful in reading Jill Lepore’s book on King Philip’s War. Knowing this history matters.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many early accounts of Native American conflicts this is by turns fascinating, repetitive, horrifying, suspicious, and thought provoking. It’s insightful in ways more modern interpretations can never be.