It's November, 2005 and we're still a year and a half away from the 400 Year Commemoration of Jamestown in her majesty Elizabeth's Virginia. First things first;Jamestown was not the first European, English, or even the first other hemisphere settlement in either North or South America. Not by a long shot. That it barely survived through the winter of 1607-08 was due, in no small measure to the fearless, smart, and tireless adventurer Captain John Smith. This biography of Pocahantas's English friend is one of those important, smaller, history books by informed scholars (Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler) that often lead the way in our fundamental historical understanding. It's important to get your facts straight before Hollywood, Fox News, and George Bush weigh in during 2007. From Hoobler and Hoobler comes a very smooth,compact, and effective introduction to the initial English Virginia experience plus a surprisingly insightful life study of the surprisingly appealing John Smith. The vast majority of Americans know virtually nothing about Smith. What is known is usually wrong. And as for the Powhatans and a place called Werowocomoco, American ignorance is astonishing. Once Jametstown's survival is assured, Virginia history becomes highly problematic and faces unending competition with Puritans and Yankees for primacy within the American myth. Truthful, well written, and informed books like this are of critical importance in keeping the record straight. And did you know that John Smith once defeated (mortally) 3 jousting opponents...in one day ? HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION

"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.

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.

"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.

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Distributor: John Wiley & Sons
Publication Date: 04-20-2007
Pages: 288
Measurements: 226.5mm X 149.5mm X 19.3mm X 13.376oz