[Gutenberg 4247] • A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia

By the famous English astronomer, mathematician, ethnographer, and linguist. He went on at least one expedition, around 1585-86, and spent time in the New World visiting Roanoke Island off the coast of North Carolina furthering his knowledge by learning the Algonquian language. His account of the voyage, A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia, was published in 1588 (probably written in 1587). The Report contains an early account of the Native American population encountered by the expedition; it was very influential upon later English explorers and colonists. His views of Native Americans' industry and capacity to learn were later largely ignored in favour of the parts of the "Report" about extractable minerals and resources.