The Captive Author:Mary Rowlandson The True Story of the Captivity of Mrs Mary Rowlandson Among the Indians and God's Faithfulness to Her in Her Time of Trial — Although little known today, this story was once widely regarded as a classic of American literature. First published in 1682, it has seen over forty editions in the past three centuries, and it marked the beginning of... more » the very popular and uniquely American form of literature, the so-called "captivity narrative" which was the predecessor of the American Western novel. This book also holds a prominent place in women's literature since it is the first full length work published in America written by a woman.
Mary Rowlandson's narrative is the true story of her capture by the Indians in a bloody massacre and of her service as their slave for three months in the middle of a New England winter. It is an arresting and exciting book. Yet it is not the story line or the excitement that won this narrative its enduring fame. Mary Rowlandson's is a story of amazing faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.« less