The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles facts for kids
The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles is a famous book written by Captain John Smith. It was first published in 1624. This book is one of the very first histories about the lands managed by the Virginia Company of London.
Contents
Exploring Early American History
This book tells the story of early English settlements in North America. It covers areas that became known as Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles (Bermuda). John Smith was an important explorer and writer.
How English Colonies Began
Originally, two English companies were created to settle North America. This land was then called Virginia. The London Company received permission to settle the southern part. The Plymouth Company was given land further north.
Both companies started settlements in 1607. The London Company founded Jamestown. The Plymouth Company's settlement was soon left empty. Later, the London Company took over its land. The northern area then became known as New England. The name Virginia then only referred to the land the London Company first controlled.
The Summer Isles: Bermuda
In 1612, the London Company's territory grew. It stretched across the Atlantic Ocean to include the Somers Isles. These islands were named after Sir George Somers, an admiral of the Virginia Company. Today, we know them as Bermuda. The Virginia Company had been in charge of Bermuda since 1609. This was after the ship Sea Venture wrecked there.
John Smith's Storytelling
After returning to England, John Smith had some disagreements with the Virginia Company leaders. Even so, he wrote many books about England's efforts to colonize North America. In his writings, he often made the Company's role seem less important.
How the Book Was Written
The Generall Historie was mostly based on information John Smith got from other people. He had not seen everything himself. He had left Virginia years before publishing the book. He also never visited Bermuda. Bermuda had become a separate colony managed by the Somers Isles Company since 1615. This company was formed by the same people who owned the Virginia Company.
John Smith likely got his information about Bermuda from its governor, Nathaniel Butler. Butler probably provided the drawing for the book's engraving. He also might have given Smith a map and pictures of important places in Bermuda.
Publishing the Historie
The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles was first printed in 1624. It was printed by I.D and I. H. for Michael Sparkes. The book was very popular. New versions were printed in 1625, 1626, 1627, 1629, 1631, and 1632.
