ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank the Sourcebooks team in our third book, especially my editor, Peter Lynch. Peter has once again proven himself an excellent editor and shared my enthusiasm, from our initial discussions about the idea to the final edits. The book assumed a very different character over time, and I thank Peter for helping me to shape and hone my thoughts. I have not met anyone in academia, teaching, or writing more sincerely committed to true collaboration. Many thanks go to my publicity team of Liz Kelsch and Heather Moore for organizing the book tours and events for our first two books together.
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Swem Library at the College of William and Mary provided invaluable support and made this book possible. Two individuals went well beyond the call of duty, as they have done for me over the last several years. First of all, Jim Horn generously offered all assistance in using the materials of the Rockefeller Library at Colonial Williamsburg. Moreover, Mary Cottrill has invited me to speak often about my books and other historical topics to tourists, locals, and interpreters at Dewitt-Wallace Museum. One such pre-publication lecture on this book forced me to focus my thesis much more than just sitting in front of my laptop waiting for inspiration.
During the writing and editing of this book, I returned to teaching history at Peninsula Catholic High School in Newport News, Virginia. I want to thank Jenny Franklin and M.E. Rhodes for their daily support of all of my endeavors, even as I desperately attempted to juggle my responsibilities. I could not ask for a bettergroup of colleagues than the faculty and staff at the school. The students at PC quickly reminded me of why I always loved teaching high school students and are an inspiration to me every day.
My wife, Lynne, has always loved and supported me unconditionally, while my children are still my biggest fans and excitedly await the publication of all of my books. Speaking about the Jamestown colony at their school was a great deal of fun. I would not be able to achieve anything without their love and support.
Finally, of all of my friends who have lent encouragement and been sources of joy, I want to single out Jeff and Jessica Lavoie and their daughter, Carlie. We have been friends since high school and have individually gone through many changes through the years. But our friendship has remained one of the rocks in my life. It is a priceless gift which I have long cherished.
I am dedicating this book to my dear mother, Fran Banta. She has faced many challenges, including the death of my brother, Craig, during the writing of this book, but has been a model of faith, courage, and perseverance. I thank her for all of the love and support she has given me throughout my life.
INTRODUCTION
T he American Dream was built along the banks of the James River in Virginia. The settlers who established America’s first permanent English colony at Jamestown were gentlemen adventurers and common tradesmen who bravely voyaged to North America despite its many dangers. They sought personal profit and the greater national glory of mother England. Their venture was part of a grand national struggle with Spain to satisfy their aspiring imperial ambitions.
Yet the hardy adventurers who settled at Jamestown were largely on their own with their venture. The Crown granted them a royal charter for a joint-stock company in which they shared the risk over several investors. But the Crown did not offer any direct financial support. Rather, these free and independent Englishmen were enterprising individuals who risked their lives and fortunes on the venture and stood to reap the rewards of their private initiative.
Whatever these grand visions of profit and glory, the history of the first several years of the colony was simply a struggle to survive and endure. The settlers died in droves, and the colony constantly
I would like to thank the Sourcebooks team in our third book, especially my editor, Peter Lynch. Peter has once again proven himself an excellent editor and shared my enthusiasm, from our initial discussions about the idea to the final edits. The book assumed a very different character over time, and I thank Peter for helping me to shape and hone my thoughts. I have not met anyone in academia, teaching, or writing more sincerely committed to true collaboration. Many thanks go to my publicity team of Liz Kelsch and Heather Moore for organizing the book tours and events for our first two books together.
The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Swem Library at the College of William and Mary provided invaluable support and made this book possible. Two individuals went well beyond the call of duty, as they have done for me over the last several years. First of all, Jim Horn generously offered all assistance in using the materials of the Rockefeller Library at Colonial Williamsburg. Moreover, Mary Cottrill has invited me to speak often about my books and other historical topics to tourists, locals, and interpreters at Dewitt-Wallace Museum. One such pre-publication lecture on this book forced me to focus my thesis much more than just sitting in front of my laptop waiting for inspiration.
During the writing and editing of this book, I returned to teaching history at Peninsula Catholic High School in Newport News, Virginia. I want to thank Jenny Franklin and M.E. Rhodes for their daily support of all of my endeavors, even as I desperately attempted to juggle my responsibilities. I could not ask for a bettergroup of colleagues than the faculty and staff at the school. The students at PC quickly reminded me of why I always loved teaching high school students and are an inspiration to me every day.
My wife, Lynne, has always loved and supported me unconditionally, while my children are still my biggest fans and excitedly await the publication of all of my books. Speaking about the Jamestown colony at their school was a great deal of fun. I would not be able to achieve anything without their love and support.
Finally, of all of my friends who have lent encouragement and been sources of joy, I want to single out Jeff and Jessica Lavoie and their daughter, Carlie. We have been friends since high school and have individually gone through many changes through the years. But our friendship has remained one of the rocks in my life. It is a priceless gift which I have long cherished.
I am dedicating this book to my dear mother, Fran Banta. She has faced many challenges, including the death of my brother, Craig, during the writing of this book, but has been a model of faith, courage, and perseverance. I thank her for all of the love and support she has given me throughout my life.
INTRODUCTION
T he American Dream was built along the banks of the James River in Virginia. The settlers who established America’s first permanent English colony at Jamestown were gentlemen adventurers and common tradesmen who bravely voyaged to North America despite its many dangers. They sought personal profit and the greater national glory of mother England. Their venture was part of a grand national struggle with Spain to satisfy their aspiring imperial ambitions.
Yet the hardy adventurers who settled at Jamestown were largely on their own with their venture. The Crown granted them a royal charter for a joint-stock company in which they shared the risk over several investors. But the Crown did not offer any direct financial support. Rather, these free and independent Englishmen were enterprising individuals who risked their lives and fortunes on the venture and stood to reap the rewards of their private initiative.
Whatever these grand visions of profit and glory, the history of the first several years of the colony was simply a struggle to survive and endure. The settlers died in droves, and the colony constantly
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