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Jamestown
In December 1606, when they set sail from London for the Virginia coast, the people aboard the three ships anticipated the best. They would establish a British colony, find gold, and discover a water route to Asia. But what awaited them was far different - fire, hunger, sickness, death, even cannibalism. Here, from the noted historian Marshall W. Fishwick, is the dramatic story of Jamestown and the struggle of its leader, Captain John Smith, who, with the help of Pocahontas, daughter of the Algonquian chief Powhatan, succeeded against all odds.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
100 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2017
258 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 13, 2021
Reads Like a History Book
I did learn a lot as there was a great deal of historical information. But, the book lacked passion as it seems to be written only from the historical perspective. Too many names and nothing memorable that stuck in my mind. Maybe a little more research and character development so the reader knows more than this person was a Governor. I did enjoy the Jamestown historical site pictures at the end of the book.
I did learn a lot as there was a great deal of historical information. But, the book lacked passion as it seems to be written only from the historical perspective. Too many names and nothing memorable that stuck in my mind. Maybe a little more research and character development so the reader knows more than this person was a Governor. I did enjoy the Jamestown historical site pictures at the end of the book.
March 18, 2020
Learned plenty from this little book. The relationships and the struggle for power among the early settlers was enormous, not to mention the on and off relationships with the Indians. Politics it appears never changes. A good taste of the beginning of the problems between England and the American colonies. A good read for lovers of history.
August 24, 2019
I read this to get the background on Jamestown Virginia before I visited. It was very informative and understandable and made visiting the sites more meaningful.
February 12, 2020
One summer afternoon in the '90s I sat on a park bench overlooking the James River at the original Jamestown site, taking in the beauty of the area, the serenity of the light breeze, and the awe inspiring feel of the place. It was one of the most peaceful experiences of my life. This book filled in the historical gaps of the ruins of the fort behind me, making the memories come alive again in my mind. Well written and informative, a very good read for anyone interested in the very beginnings of our country.
July 19, 2019
Jamestown is a very interesting and enjoyable read. I would have liked to see more material, it felt very quick and summarized, however, it held my attention and has given me the desire to explore more novels about 17th century American pioneers.
April 28, 2022
My mom's maiden name is Biggs. I traced back family ancestry all the way to Jamestown and wanted to learn more history.
Richard Biggs, early American colonist sailed in the late summer aboard the Swan to Jamestown, Virginia from England in the year 1610. He Bay have been a relative.
John Biggs is a relative who got married, possibly in England, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in the Increase to Virginia in 1647.
John Biggs, a great ancestor was a surveyer of the highways, would have 10 children. 6 daughters and 4 sons. It is possible he was related to Richard Biggs and may have been a son or nephew. But not 100%.
In 1660 there was a complaint, "Yor Petitionr therefore humbly prayes yt the said BIGGS hath herein neglected the p'formance of his duty (unbecoming a good Christian, a Loyall subject and a true Englishman.)"
On October 17, 1659 John Biggs is mentioned as "late Undersheriff" (same p.228). The Quakers were much persecuted in the 1660's and 1670s and some time during this period, John Biggs obviously became a Quaker, for on June 16, 1675, a Colonial informed against John Biggs for not baptizing his children and he was fined 2,000 pounds of tobacco.
I learned in this book that the king of England 🇬🇧 frowned upon tobacco and thought it may even be a sin, before there was conclusive evidence that smoking 🚬 and tobacco can be harmful to your health.
Tobacco was the #1 crop that Americans invested in.
While successful planters bought slaves from Africa and white indentured servants, poorer planters and Quakers who refused the buying of slaves had to rely on themselves and their families for labor.
Richard Biggs, early American colonist sailed in the late summer aboard the Swan to Jamestown, Virginia from England in the year 1610. He Bay have been a relative.
John Biggs is a relative who got married, possibly in England, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in the Increase to Virginia in 1647.
John Biggs, a great ancestor was a surveyer of the highways, would have 10 children. 6 daughters and 4 sons. It is possible he was related to Richard Biggs and may have been a son or nephew. But not 100%.
In 1660 there was a complaint, "Yor Petitionr therefore humbly prayes yt the said BIGGS hath herein neglected the p'formance of his duty (unbecoming a good Christian, a Loyall subject and a true Englishman.)"
On October 17, 1659 John Biggs is mentioned as "late Undersheriff" (same p.228). The Quakers were much persecuted in the 1660's and 1670s and some time during this period, John Biggs obviously became a Quaker, for on June 16, 1675, a Colonial informed against John Biggs for not baptizing his children and he was fined 2,000 pounds of tobacco.
I learned in this book that the king of England 🇬🇧 frowned upon tobacco and thought it may even be a sin, before there was conclusive evidence that smoking 🚬 and tobacco can be harmful to your health.
Tobacco was the #1 crop that Americans invested in.
While successful planters bought slaves from Africa and white indentured servants, poorer planters and Quakers who refused the buying of slaves had to rely on themselves and their families for labor.
February 17, 2022
“You mean that’s it? America, the last of the world’s superpowers, began as . . . just dirt?”
A great ending for this short (100 pages, including a photo gallery) book on Jamestown.
I’ve avoided studying the history of this town because of the atrocities committed during the harsh winter of 1609-1610, called the Starving Time, but relented because of the connection to the Lost Colony.
It’s a light but good overview of Jamestown, from the seeds of exploration to the clashes with natives, internal political struggles, the town’s deterioration and finally, archeological work at the fort.
It’s ironic that I read this because of Jamestown’s connection to the Lost Colony. Though a search for Raleigh’s missing colonists was one of three directives given to the Jamestown settlers, the author didn’t cover that search at all. The only mention is that a child with fair colored hair was seen. Still, if you’re unfamiliar of the story of “dirt” and “hope” at Jamestown, this is a good overview.
A great ending for this short (100 pages, including a photo gallery) book on Jamestown.
I’ve avoided studying the history of this town because of the atrocities committed during the harsh winter of 1609-1610, called the Starving Time, but relented because of the connection to the Lost Colony.
It’s a light but good overview of Jamestown, from the seeds of exploration to the clashes with natives, internal political struggles, the town’s deterioration and finally, archeological work at the fort.
It’s ironic that I read this because of Jamestown’s connection to the Lost Colony. Though a search for Raleigh’s missing colonists was one of three directives given to the Jamestown settlers, the author didn’t cover that search at all. The only mention is that a child with fair colored hair was seen. Still, if you’re unfamiliar of the story of “dirt” and “hope” at Jamestown, this is a good overview.
March 13, 2022
Jamestown, a brief history
I found this history of Jamestown to be very well written and so easy to follow. Many such histories bounce around with the dialog and confuse the reader, not so this one. Having had ancestors who came from England to Virginia (but not Jamestown), in the same era as this history, I truly found it fascinating. And, having Native American ancestors who were not that far away, the history of this interaction was also very enlightening. This is not your TV epic, but based on thorough investigation. I highly recommend this to anyone interest in the earliest history of our great country.
I found this history of Jamestown to be very well written and so easy to follow. Many such histories bounce around with the dialog and confuse the reader, not so this one. Having had ancestors who came from England to Virginia (but not Jamestown), in the same era as this history, I truly found it fascinating. And, having Native American ancestors who were not that far away, the history of this interaction was also very enlightening. This is not your TV epic, but based on thorough investigation. I highly recommend this to anyone interest in the earliest history of our great country.
September 18, 2023
Interesting history of Jamestown. This history was easy to read and follow the storyline. Looking back at the goals the venture capitalists of the day had for establishing Jamestown are laughable by todays standards. Find the Northwest passage to India, clearly no idea how big the planet is. Find gold?? Sure the Indians will just give it up. If they had any they were more concerned with not staving to death. The reality was devastating disease, famine ( due to poor planning), hostile Indians (a little pissed about their prime lands being taken) eventually big tobacco becomes the savior. Interesting read.
February 25, 2019
Interesting and enjoyable
A basic rundown of Jamestown and it's historical beginnings. Easy to read with many facts that explain how and why Jamestown was founded, and it's people. I enjoyed this book a great deal and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in early America.
A basic rundown of Jamestown and it's historical beginnings. Easy to read with many facts that explain how and why Jamestown was founded, and it's people. I enjoyed this book a great deal and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in early America.
February 6, 2022
A concise history that is easily read. Exactly what I was hoping for.
'The archeologist exploring the beginnings of the United States discovers no medieval castles, classical templates or pyramids. "Just dirt" held hope for the landless immigrant, offering a way to enter and otherwise closed society based on the inheritance of family estates.
'The archeologist exploring the beginnings of the United States discovers no medieval castles, classical templates or pyramids. "Just dirt" held hope for the landless immigrant, offering a way to enter and otherwise closed society based on the inheritance of family estates.
April 10, 2022
A very quick read -- like a somewhat-extended encyclopedia article giving a basic background on Jamestown. Useful for an overview, but lacking in insight and interesting details. For those who want a short summary -- perhaps in preparation for a visit to Jamestown, this will be useful. However, if you're wanting a complete and nuanced history, you should look elsewhere.
February 4, 2019
Very Good Read for History Lovers
I learned a lot about Jamestown in this book. I enjoyed it and found it to be very interesting and easy to keep the history in order. Well written! Thank you for providing this material.
I learned a lot about Jamestown in this book. I enjoyed it and found it to be very interesting and easy to keep the history in order. Well written! Thank you for providing this material.
July 4, 2020
Easy to read
A well documented yet concise historical narrative. The dates, names and facts were very helpful making it an enjoyable story. The conclusion showing the modern timeline of Jamestown's present existence was an excellent summation.
A well documented yet concise historical narrative. The dates, names and facts were very helpful making it an enjoyable story. The conclusion showing the modern timeline of Jamestown's present existence was an excellent summation.
February 13, 2022
Jamestown
Concise read about one of America's most important starting points. There are a lot of items left out, but it is apparent that this was not meant to be an in-depth treatment. i, at least, enjoyed it.
Concise read about one of America's most important starting points. There are a lot of items left out, but it is apparent that this was not meant to be an in-depth treatment. i, at least, enjoyed it.
March 7, 2022
Fascinating!
I really liked this book because I now know exactly how the settlement at Jamestown came to be. And what hazards those first settlers braved to make a permanent life in the New World. I highly recommend this book .
I really liked this book because I now know exactly how the settlement at Jamestown came to be. And what hazards those first settlers braved to make a permanent life in the New World. I highly recommend this book .
March 10, 2022
Interesting Read
Jamestown is interesting and factual without being overblown. It is quick to read, but gives the reader plenty of information about how the town was founded, grew, died, and was rediscovered. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jamestown is interesting and factual without being overblown. It is quick to read, but gives the reader plenty of information about how the town was founded, grew, died, and was rediscovered. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 9, 2019
Left review on Amazon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
Very good concise history of Jamestown. Recommend for early American history buffs.
February 2, 2020
Very interesting book f history I knew nothing about?
September 27, 2021
Enjoyed
Informative and interesting for someone who very little history of the Jamestown story. It was short but well written. A good beginning to further study.
Informative and interesting for someone who very little history of the Jamestown story. It was short but well written. A good beginning to further study.
June 8, 2022
A short, informative and very straight forward read about Jamestown. The start was more interesting than the ending. Worth reading if you are interested in the colony.
March 13, 2023
Interesting general history of the Jamestown settlement. My interest was genealogical because two branches of my family tree were residents of Jamestown at different times; Byrd and Wyatt.
May 16, 2020
Nice revival of our history! Amazing bravery from our mother England!!
Great great great great the best!! Nice
Bellingham
Great thanks for letting us know how it works.
Great job with the best of intentions!
Great great great great the best!! Nice
Bellingham
Great thanks for letting us know how it works.
Great job with the best of intentions!
Read
January 18, 2019DR H. really enjoyed Marshall story covering approx. 600
years of Virginia. history.The tales of Pocahontas and young John Smith are enlightening. One can see the beginnings of House of businesses i.e. self government leading to Revolutionary War. Truly DRH
years of Virginia. history.The tales of Pocahontas and young John Smith are enlightening. One can see the beginnings of House of businesses i.e. self government leading to Revolutionary War. Truly DRH
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews