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Title: Big Chief Elizabeth: The Adventures and Fate of the First English Colonists in America by Giles Milton ISBN: 0312420188 Publisher: Picador USA Pub. Date: October, 2001 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.61
Rating: 4
Summary: Compelling Tale of Early America
Comment: The beginning of America was, of course, more than just pilgrims. Indeed, some scholars suggest that the American infatuation with the story of the Mayflower colony comes not from its role in the birth of the nation, but rather as a consequence of the large proportion of New England academics who founded the Smithsonian institution. Whatever the reason, the story of the creation of England's first North American colony is altogether more darker than the foundation its more famous Massachusetts cousin. Milton captures this complex story very clearly, managing to give robust characerizations of the many individuals who come and go throughout the story. The two main figures, Sir Walter Ralegh and Queen Elizabeth, are clearly conceived despite the fact that Milton avoids the temptation to speculate about matters not covered in the historical record. Given this admirable restraint, Milton's story more than succeeds on its own terms. The historical account is gripping -- and the mysteries contained therein are pursued clearly and rationally. The writing, though remarkably detailed, never gets bogged down in them. Milton manages to give a panorama of the times without ever seeming explicitly engaged in academic history. It is a painless way to learn but still remarkably satisfying. If I have any complaints, they come down to some of his conclusions. He claims, for example, that the ultimate success of Jamestown was a result of the final acceptance of Ralegh's stricture that peace with the natives is essential. I agree that while this is very important, there appears to be no question that the real reason for the success was not merely that peace was achieved (through a marriage) but rather that the growth of the tobacco industry in the new world helped sustain the infusion of capital that made the colony possible. Love didn't create America, money did.
Rating: 5
Summary: Intro to American History
Comment: Too often we Americans seem to believe our history begins with Plymouth Colony. Or worse yet, with the War for Independence. Milton has done us a wonderful service in providing a text to introduce us to the true beginnings of the English settlement of North America. The text is easy to read and flows more like a story than history. This book will well serve both the casual reader and the student of history. If I may be allowed one critical comment on the work, it is that Milton fails to provide notes in the text. He does, however, provide a comprehensive bibliography. As an avid reader of history, I enjoy being able to track sources. The omission of notes in no way detracts from the value of the book.
Rating: 5
Summary: Milton Does It Again
Comment: As with Nathaniel's Nutmeg, Giles Milton has offered an important and highly entertaining work of history.
Big Chief Elizabeth follows early British efforts to colonize America. The book is chock full of stories, characters and relevations. Readers will experience Queen Elizabeth's court, hang out with Sir Walter Raliegh and wonder at the fate of the Lost Colony of Roanake.
Milton is a superb story teller benefiting from his own copious research efforts. Milton has so many details and factoids at his disposal that he can afford to be sparing with them.
Big Chief Elizabeth is an enlightening study of how the English came to colonize the New World. One develops an appreciation for what a giant leap it was from exploration to settlement.
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Title: Nathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton ISBN: 0140292608 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: 03 July, 2000 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: Samurai William: The Englishman Who Opened the East by Giles Milton ISBN: 0374253854 Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux Pub. Date: 18 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.00 |
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Title: The Riddle and the Knight: In Search of Sir John Mandeville, the World's Greatest Traveller by Giles Milton ISBN: 031242129X Publisher: Picador USA Pub. Date: 01 November, 2002 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Roanoke: Solving the Mystery of the Lost Colony by Lee Miller ISBN: 0142002283 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: 28 May, 2002 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
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Title: Krakatoa : The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883 by Simon Winchester ISBN: 0066212855 Publisher: HarperCollins Pub. Date: 01 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.95 |
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