Brian Doherty (2)

As this is a book for children, it's probably not fair to judge it too harshly. On the other hand, since it was published in 1994, a lot has been learned about the Powhatan Indians and colonial Jamestown, and this book seems pretty outdated. The text and illustrations contain many inaccuracies. If a children's book about Lincoln or Washington appeared today with this level of faux-history, teachers would likely reject it. A product of its time, it favors the myth of Pocahontas and John Smith over the more cruel reality, but I guess that's what we expect from children's literature.

Example on Pocahontas:
"This girl was a natural athlete who could speed through the woods like a deer, shoot an arrow with the accuracy of a veteran warrior, swim like a fish, and read nature's faint signs like we might read a book." p. 5

Example on John Smith:
"He was not yet 30 years of age, and no one could look at his figure without seeing he had unusual strength. Mentally and physically, we was stronger than the officers and crew around him. This man was Captain John Smith, whose great services later earned him the name "Father of Virginia. He was one of the bravest of men - unselfish, enterprising and far-seeing." p. 3… (mehr)