John Smith

In late December 1606, a party of Englishmen set sail for America, representing yet another effort by the English to establish a foothold in the New World. Twenty years earlier, a similar attempt with the Roanoke Colony had ended miserably, with all of its inhabitants completely disappearing. Yet Jamestown would ultimately succeed, due largely to the efforts of one individual Captain John Smith. A young man of only 27 years, Smith had already made a name for himself fighting battles from France to Constantinople. But his true destiny awaited him in America. John Smith narrates this intrepid adventurer's storied life, from his upbringing to the hardships he faced in the New World. Readers will benefit from the research features in the book, including informative sidebars, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading, and an index for quick reference.