| This thorough ethnological study is both scholarly and highly readable. In it the author objectively traces the roots of one of Americas more obscure peoples, the Melungeons. Numerous theories exist for the origin of these people, who were not black nor white nor Indian. In the work, Ball discusses the various theories, their strengths and weaknesses, and the plausibilities of each. These theories include the roles of Sir Walter Raleighs “Lost Colony,” shipwrecked Portugese sailors, followers of Spains Fernando de Soto who were left behind in America, various Native American tribes, and black slaves in the Melungeon ancestry. - United States - General Reference - |
