Synopses & Reviews
In the predawn darkness of April 21, 1607, three small ships groped for landfall along the North American coastline. Confined below decksand most likely in chainswas John Smith, a young, hot-tempered fellow accused of plotting mutiny and facing the possibility of execution. Many of the crew ex-pected Smith to be hanged once they reached Virginiaand were shocked when Smith was named as one of the seven people who would make up the governing council of the new colony, a decision made before the ships left England. This caused many to wonder: just who was this John Smith, this brash, red-bearded nobody who seemed to have such powerful connections?
That question has been asked repeatedly for centuries; now, here is the most definitive answer. Captain John Smith explores the true history be-hind the man who would become the person most directly responsible for the survival of the Jamestown colony. Based on Smith's own writings which history has proven to be accurateand on letters and diaries from other Jamestown colonists and archives in both Virginia and England, this enlightening volume focuses in riveting detail on the years Smith spent in Jamestown and his efforts to promote the colony after his return to England, while also covering his swashbuckling earlier life.
Using newly discovered material, historians Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler present a well-rounded portrait of the Jamestown colony and Smith's accomplishments there, as well as new information on the Native Americans Smith and the other colonists encountered.?The famous tale of Smith and Pocahontas carried down through history has distorted and even falsified their actual lives, turning them into colonial America's Romeo and Juliet. The Hooblers demythologize Smith's relationship with Pocahontaswho in reality was a preadolescent childand examine the truth behind her efforts to rescue Smith from death, possibly more than once.
You'll experience all the heroic deeds, hairbreadth escapes, suffering, and glory of Smith's pre-Jamestown daysstirring events that have all but been forgotten. You'll be there as he finds himself thrown overboard ships only to be rescued; joins in fierce battles only to be gifted with riches; and encounters a variety of efforts to kill himwhether by jousting battle, ambush, or executiononly to find help from sympathizers. For Smith, it was often a case of the damsel helping the knight, appearing at a critical moment to spare his life yet again. His astounding ability to maneuver his way out of disastrous situations allowed Smith to make his markbut did he owe his success to cunning, talent, or sheer luck?
As the settlement of Jamestown approaches its four hundredth anniversary, Captain John Smith leads the way with a thrilling, eye-opening account of this key figure in American history.
Synopsis
America was the place Smith had dreamed of his whole life.There, his character, determination, and ambition had propelled him to the top of society. He spent the rest of his life trying to return. Though he failed, he pointed the way for others, who were drawn by the dream that opportunity was here for anyone who dared seize it . . . Smith founded more than a colony. He gave birth to the American dream.
--from Captain John Smith
Captain John Smith tells the real story behind the swashbuckling character who founded the Jamestown colony, wrote the first book in English in America, and cheated death many times by a mere hairbreadth. Based on rich primary sources, including Smith's own writings and newly discovered material, this enlightening book explores Smith's early days, his forceful leadership at Jamestown that was so critical to its survival, and his efforts upon his return to England to continue settlements in America. This unique volume also reveals the truth behind Smith's relationship with Pocahontas, a tale that history has greatly distorted. Bringing to life heroic deeds and dramatic escapes as well as moments of great suffering and hardship, Captain John Smith serves as a great testament to this important historical figure.
Synopsis
"America was the place Smith had dreamed of his whole life.There, his character, determination, and ambition had propelled him to the top of society. He spent the rest of his life trying to return. Though he failed, he pointed the way for others, who were drawn by the dream that opportunity was here for anyone who dared seize it . . . Smith founded more than a colony. He gave birth to the American dream."
--from Captain John Smith
Captain John Smith tells the real story behind the swashbuckling character who founded the Jamestown colony, wrote the first book in English in America, and cheated death many times by a mere hairbreadth. Based on rich primary sources, including Smith's own writings and newly discovered material, this enlightening book explores Smith's early days, his forceful leadership at Jamestown that was so critical to its survival, and his efforts upon his return to England to continue settlements in America. This unique volume also reveals the truth behind Smith's relationship with Pocahontas, a tale that history has greatly distorted. Bringing to life heroic deeds and dramatic escapes as well as moments of great suffering and hardship, Captain John Smith serves as a great testament to this important historical figure.
About the Author
Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler are the authors of the ten-volume seriesThe American Family Albums, which was acclaimed by the New York Times.Their novel In Darkness, Death won a 2005 Edgar Award for young adult fiction.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Prologue.
1. Dreams of Glory.
2. “To Conquer Is to Live.”
3. Voyagers West.
4. The “First Mover” of Jamestown.
5. A Charge of Mutiny.
6. Disease, Dissension, and Death.
7. The Great American Myth.
8. Conflicting Agendas.
9. Seeking the Future.
10. Smith vs. Newport.
11. Smith vs. Powhatan.
12. Smith Takes Charge.
13. “My Hands Have Been My Lands.”
14. The Dream Survives the Man.
Notes.
For Further Reading.
Index.