The Secret Token: Myth, Obsession, and the Search for the Lost Colony of Roanoke Paperback – June 4, 2019

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but can say I thought it was excellent and consider it a “must read” for Lost Colony theorists. The extensive research with the retelling of his personal journey to determine if there’s a conclusive end to this story was compelling. I thought i’d read everything available on the Roanoke voyages but I was delightfully surprised when Mr. Lawler presented new information. I am a resident of eastern NC, my grandmother was a native of the outer banks with a long family history in that region. We have the oral history of Indian heritage in our family tree. In an effort to confirm that heritage I participated in the DNA research effort led by Roberta Estes. I’ve met and talked with Fred Willard, I’ve seen first-hand the original Dare stone, and I’ve met Scott Dawson. The Ft. Raleigh site fascinates me, even though I believe the site where the colony location was at Shallowbag Bay, Manteo’s present location. Mr Lawler opened my eyes to early prejudices that complicated the search for the real truth of what became of the colonists. Is it possible that a new-born baby girl survived in this wilderness? Who knows for sure but I for one would like to believe that she did. I also agree with Mr Lawler’s ending assessment of the outcome of this story. I will say that I was not aware of the 1609 Spanish search. The possibilities of the what ifs” of that encounter both intrigue and haunt me. Thank you Mr Lawler for bringing the efforts and results of each research faction to light with an unbiased synopsis of their stories.

This is an easy to read but also thought-provoking account of the 1587 expedition of Englishman John White to Roanoke Island and the many myths and theories that have arisen about the fate of his 115-or-so lost colonists. The book's main strength is the fairly thorough consideration of most of these many theories, which have fascinated and consumed the interests of academicians, artifact seekers, and arm-chair historians through the ensuing centuries. The book is up-to-date, covering the still debated Dare stones, recent genealogical data on possible descendants, recent archaeological digs near Cape Hatteras, and findings at the newly discovered "Site X" shown on John White's Virginea Pars map near the western shore of Albemarle Sound. Clearly the author has been fascinated by this enduring, unsolved mystery for many years. He provides entertaining accounts of his own explorations and interesting commentary about several of the very colorful contemporaries, whom he has met along the way, and who have shared his fascination and often obsession with this history. There are a few omissions (e.g., the riven coffin unearthed at Beechland near the Alligator River). Also, other recent books provide likely and compelling Indian perspectives of events and their ramifications. As one of those armchair historians, I continually find myself going back to the few original sources that have survived to form my own second opinion of any given theory. Even the original sources are so fragmentary and often so very self-serving and biased (e.g, Ralph Lane's and John White's recollections) that hard facts are very difficult to discern from even these sources. However, anyone who wants to delve deeper should definitely invest in the exhaustive compendium of historical records compiled by David Beers Quinn and last published by Dover Books (be sure to study the map at the back of Volume II). Have fun formulating your own theory and join the gang.

My interest in this topic was vague, but I was intrigued by a review that suggested the survey was complete. And it was! This is an excellent book if you are interested in getting your head around all things “Lost Colony” without getting lost yourself. The author does a pretty good job of remaining impartial and allowing the reader to form his or her own conclusions. The organization, beginning with the historical and ending with the current state of mythologizing, will suck you into the mysteries, but spit you out the other side with some ideas of your own. History, mystery, sociology, myth; popularization at its very best.

I have read many scholarly books about the Lost Colony of Roanoke. While I found this author’s recap of the history clear and thought-provoking, I didn’t particularly learn anything new. I did enjoy the discussion of the cultural implications of the legend, especially how it became a symbol of white supremacy. While I also enjoyed his description of surviving old English customs on Hatteras and present-day locals claiming to be descendants, sometimes I felt that part lacked real substance.

My father has a cousin who's in the annual play on Roanoke island every year. We were talking about the Roanoke colony, and I knew nothing about the story. So picking up this book and learning the entire story and how it transpired... along with learning the stages of the search for the lost colony… it's so very interesting!! The author is such a great writer, every thought is fluid. You're drawn into the lives, and like everyone else you're pondering what happened to the colony, and coming to conclusions of your own.

I thought this book was interesting and I learned a few things reading it. Like the author mentions when you start thinking about the mystery behind Roanoke Island it just sucks you in and does not let you go. I have watched many shows on this and keep hoping that by some miracle we will find out what happened to this lost colonists. I like how the author explored all the options and did his research in trying to find the truth. I am not sure we will ever find out what happened but it is nice to think we have. I was also shocked about how some groups use Virginia Dare as a model for their own agenda. I don't want to say what I mean by this as I want you to read the book for your own thoughts. For me I hope that the Native Americans did take them in and they became a part of their family rather that to think they all just perished. A very informative book.

The story of the Lost Colony is told both in the terms of what might have happened (no one knows for sure) and what the obsessive speculation about what was imagined tells us about society today and in the past. The author explores every possible angle, even some that are quite improbable, since the wildest ideas sometime say the most about the people who entertained them. I have seen the book accused of "political correctness"; this is a flat-out falsehood, unless you consider it repugnant to allow Native Americans and people of color to express what are usually quite moderate and nuanced opinions.

Sehr gute historsiche Beschreibung der Myths & Obsession.