The Red Bird and the Devil - by Robert Lanham (Paperback)

About the Book

Set in the 17th century, this is the remarkable story of Henry Woodward's remarkable life as Carolina colony's first Indian trader and his role in settling the colony.

Book Synopsis

The Red Bird and the Devil is the story of Henry Woodward's remarkable life as Carolina Colony's first Indian trader and his role in settling the colony. He lived with the Native Americans there, the only Englishman for 400 miles. Held prisoner by the Spanish in St. Augustine and rescued in a daring raid, he served as a surgeon on a buccaneer ship, was shipwrecked in a hurricane, and miraculously ended up back in Carolina Colony.

Overcoming political intrigue, personal loss, and physical hardship, Woodward became one of the most important figures in the early colony. His legacy is tangled -- was he a friend or a foe of the Native Americans? Was he a pawn of the English Lords Proprietors who owned the colony, America's first frontiersman, or both?

Review Quotes

"The author's book is a transfixing read about one of the early settlers in the blossoming American colonies. Lanham adeptly portrays Woodward as a tragic figure but also a true forbearer of the early founders of the embryonic republic. The result is a truly wonderful and worthwhile read that will leave the reader eager to seek out more information about this historical figure."

-U.S. Book Reviews, Recommended, Philip Zozzaro

"The Red Bird and the Devil is Robert E. Lanham's fictionalized account of the life of Henry Woodward, a real frontiersman, perhaps American's first. Lanham has filled in the gaps where historical records are silent, creating a fascinating look at early American life. He keeps a historical perspective while touching on sensitive moral issues such as slavery and the treatment of the Native Americans. Lanham's writing feels authentic and well-researched. His characters and dialogue are realistic and believable. Readers looking for historical adventures based on reality will not want to miss this one."

- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars, Heather Stockard

"... my favorite type of historical novel because it takes real characters, incorporates what is known about them historically, and then weaves a fictional tale around their adventures. Robert E. Lanham has done a superb job in this book... flesh and bones plus fascinating character ...I also appreciated the focus the author placed on the issue of slavery, not only of Africans but especially of weaker and less warlike Native American tribes I thoroughly enjoyed this read and can highly recommend it."

- Readers' Favorite, 5 stars, Grant Leishman