Andrew Lipman is a historian whose work delves into the intricate dynamics between Native American tribes and European settlers along the American coast. His research focuses on the legal and political contests for control over coastal territories, examining how these conflicts shaped early American society. Lipman's analysis reveals the agency of Indigenous peoples as they navigated and fought for their rights and lands amidst colonial expansion. His scholarship offers a fresh perspective on the history of the American seaboard, highlighting the pivotal role of Native communities in its formation.
The narrative follows a man who, after being enslaved and taken to Europe, embarks on a journey to return home. His experiences shape his perspective and ultimately lead him to play a pivotal role in altering the trajectory of American history. The story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the impact of personal struggles on broader societal changes. Through his journey, the protagonist’s determination and courage highlight the complexities of freedom and the fight against oppression.
"Andrew Lipman's eye-opening first book is the previously untold story of how the ocean became a "frontier" between colonists and Indians. When the English and Dutch empires both tried to claim the same patch of coast between the Hudson River and Cape Cod, the sea itself became the arena of contact and conflict. During the violent European invasions, the region's Algonquian-speaking Natives were navigators, boatbuilders, fishermen, pirates, and merchants who became active players in the emergence of the Atlantic World. Drawing from a wide range of English, Dutch, and archeological sources, Lipman uncovers a new geography of Native America that incorporates seawater as well as soil. Looking past Europeans' arbitrary land boundaries, he reveals unseen links between local episodes and global events on distant shores."--Publisher's description.