Many Americans are in a "down" mood because of the constant barrage of war, economic, and global warming news. But a new book, "Jamestown 2007," could give them a new perspective on the country and values they inherited from the people who created America and those who have protected that legacy for four hundred years.
It all could have begun something like this.
"Help wanted: 104 men and boys to explore a new country. Promise of gold growing like cotton everywhere. Must sign an agreement to work for seven years with no pay in return for sea passage. Chance of survival from harsh weather, foul water, attacks by natives, diseases and starvation - 40% the first four months. Apply now for consideration to the Virginia Company of London."
This hypothetical "want ad" could describe the conditions the first English settlers faced when they landed on a marshy island on the James River in 1607. They came for a better life, lured by the promise of gold everywhere (that proved to be false) and a chance to find a new route to the great riches of the Orient. In a few short months many were shivering in bed with malaria, dying from spears and arrows of Indian attacks, or trying to survive on spoiled food filled with maggots.
The details of their torture and ultimate triumph are brought to "you are there" reality by a "diary" to "Baby Alice" by William Layton, a widower and carpenter who was one of the original settlers who came from Lincolnshire England. He left leaving his daughter behind with his sister. While the diary is fiction, all of the facts and problems he faced are from recorded history of the time.
In addition, nationally known photojournalists Michele and Tom Grimm (authors of "The Basic Book of Photography")
"Jamestown 2007" is a large book (8-1/2" x ll" - 184 pages) that presents the history of Jamestown 1607 in a dramatic new way but also becomes a travel guide to the dozens of fairs, events, new attractions, music and lectures in Virginia during this 400th anniversary of the birth of the American dream of individual liberty and representative rule.
A few examples:
A new archeology museum (Archaearium)
America's Glory is a special exhibition at Jamestown Settlement. Visitors can walk through a lifesize London Street scene from 1607 with the sound of a carriage clobbering over cobblestones behind them and an African Village (source of the first slaves in America) from the same era - plus dozens of other artifacts and displays of the periodl
The Merrimack and Monitor, the famous "ironclads" of the Civil War, restage their famous battle every day at the Mariner's Museum (starting March 9).
The "Griffon" - the world's tallest dive coaster makes its debut at Busch Gardens this year, offering a view of the James River from the top and then plunging down at 70 mph. at a 90 degree angle. Its floorless so riders feel they are flying through space.
There are dozens of other 2007 vacation ideas offered in "Jamestown 2007," many with full page illustrations. Authors include veteran travel writers Jane Ockershausen and Hal Gieseking with a forward by Tim Andrews, former Communications Director of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
"Jamestown 2007" will become a lasting memory of this year of years in Virginia and could brighten the moods of many people about how much we have inherited and how much we can be thankful for. The book is available now for $15.67 - or as asearchable pdf file for laptop comupers, $7.50. A free 10-page preview can be viewed at Jamestown2007.2freedom.com and the book purchased with any credit card at this site.
