Daniel Gookin was a pioneering settler who resided in Virginia and Massachusetts, taking an interest in and writing about the Native Americans, toward whom he felt sympathy.

Born in County Cork, Ireland, Gookin moved to his father's plantation in Virginia when he was aged only eighteen in 1630. Given a reference to his being a 'souldier', it is assumed that Gookin spent at least part of his youth in the military. Later in life he moved to the colonies of Massachusetts, becoming familiar with these and other lands. Gookin travelled to London on business multiple times, acting to relay information about newly discovered areas, their suitability for settlement, and challenges facing the colonists.

Gookin gained distinction for his efforts to build rapport with the Native Americans. He promoted the conversion of natives to Christianity, with the eventual goal of permanent, peaceful coexistence. He also wrote two books about the native populations, and encouraged peace when violent conflicts such as King Philip's War broke out. He was also an early advocate for the lessening British influence upon the colonies.

Frederick Gookin published this biography of his ancestor in 1912, piecing together many disparate sources in order to shed light on Daniel's life and deeds.