The Beginners of a Nation A History of the Source and Rise of the Earliest English Settlements in America, with Special Reference to the Life and Character of the People

"The Beginners of a Nation" by Edward Eggleston is a historical narrative that explores the initial English settlements in America, focusing on the reasons people left England and the lives they built in the new land. The book aims to show the colonists as real people, with imperfections and strengths, rather than idealized figures. Starting with the early explorations and the misunderstandings about America, Eggleston introduces figures like Sir Walter Ralegh and Captain John Smith, showing their motivations and adventures in setting up the colonies. It describes the severe hardships the settlers faced, their struggle to stay alive, and their relationships with the Native Americans, offering a picture of what life was truly like during the birth of America.