Author Description

This is the story of King Philip's war, told from Metacomet, (King Philip's) point of view. It opens with the English Puritans landing at Plymouth, the friendship between Metacomet's father, Massasoit, Great Sachem of the Wampanoag, and the first English settlers in New England, the first Thanksgiving and a peace that lasted fifty years. During this period of peace, relations between the English and the Wampanoag weaken due to the Puritans forcing their laws, religion and customs on Massasoit's people, stealing their land, enslaving many and killing thousands with their diseases. When Massasoit dies and the English demand a new treaty from Wamsutta, Massasoit's oldest son, the flame is lit for the fire that follows. After Wamsutta is tricked and poisoned by the English, Metacomet takes up the tomahawk and goes to war. Soon, the Narragansett, Nipmuck, Agawam, Pocasset and Sakonnet join him. Finally united, the tribes wage a war that last for two years as they try to drive the English from their lands. Metacomet died as he had vowed "We will die, to the last man, but we will not be slaves to the English.”