The Cassique of Kiawah is the romantic story of Harry Calvert, a privateer in service to King Charles II of England. Set in the year 1684, it is a colonial romance of the very early origins of Charleston, South Carolina. Upon the illness of King Charles II and the imminent accession of James II, Calvert finds that he has suddenly become an outlaw because of a change of political winds in London. Hiding his crew and ship in the backwaters near Charleston, Harry Calvert sets out in disguise to see his friend, the governor of Carolina, in order to gauge the situation and try to determine his future. But when he learns that his titled older brother, who has become the Cassique (or lord) of the beautiful island of Kiawah, is in the area and has married the woman Harry was previously in love with back in England before he became a privateer, Harry’s life is turned upside down. 

William Gilmore Simms (1806-1870) was primarily an historian, but also one with a penchant for writing historical fiction. He was one of the most successful American writers of his era, using extensive research and eloquent detail. His novels are based on historical incidents and real people, as is the case with this one. Simms had a wonderful gift for recreating the personalities and politics of early American history. Although many of these characters are seen today as stereotypes, they are nevertheless a very good study in the various kinds of people who came to 17th century Carolina as colonists, adventurers, or servants of the crown. Early American history leaps into vivid life in this tale of romance, intrigue, and savagery.