A Brave Vessel: The True Tale of the Castaways Who Rescued Jamestown

My compliments to the author, Hobson Woodward. This is the most readable book I have encountered in its recounting of the terrifying ordeal these settlers experienced, in their attempt to reach Jamestown. He offers a vivid account of their struggle. First, as they fought to save their ship, the Sea Venture, from sinking in a roiling, four-day hurricane, which they encountered during their voyage from England to Jamestown. Then, carrying 153 souls, and separated in the storm from its fleet of nine vessels, this small flagship was left on her own to shipwreck on the uninhabited island of Bermuda. The author demonstrates great respect and sympathy for William Strachey. Strachey, a writer of failing fortunes, and a Sea Voyage passenger, was later appointed Secretary of the Colony in Jamestown. It was his written account of the hurricane, the shipwreck, and the subsequent nine month survival of the castaways on the island, that laid the foundation for the book, A Brave Vessel. It is said Shakespeare "borrowed" from Strachey's same account in his writing of The Tempest. It is easy to see how such an incredible story can lend itself so easily to flourish and fiction, but to the author's integrity, Hobson Woodward remained true to the settlers experiences, and true to Strachey's words. How anyone can read this book, and not be moved by the sheer tenacity, and fearlessness of the flesh and blood that settled the New World, is beyond me. I have bought two copies of A Brave Vessel, to be gifted to each of my grandsons when they are older, and better able to understand the truly amazing history of their ggggg-grandfather, William Strachey!

This is a great story that should be of interest to any history fan. Have enjoyed the book. Vendor gave great service.

I bought this book as background material for teaching Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and the colonial period in American literature. It didn't disappoint me. The writing is sharp, thoughtful and pointed. The content is clear and helpful to understanding the inter-relationships among the historical and the literary explorations of the period. I took new insights from Woodward's work that helped me and my students to draw deeper and more relevant understanding of all that is significant in exploring life in the early seventeenth century.

This book is very exciting, and wonderfully written about a most important beginning of "The New World", and marvelous coincidences with Shakespeare, and other areas (i.e. Bermuda, ingenuity, forming laws and governments, etc.). It was especially intriguing to me because two of the settlers on the "Seaventure" are my ancestors (cousins to each other). Jamestown, Va., 1609, provides the goal for the "Seaventure".

A true story of the wrecking of the Sea Venture after sailing from England in 1609, and the Deliverance, built with the salvage after they were destroyed by the "terrible storm". They arrived in Jamestown in 1610. My ancestor was aboard.

Enjoyed the beginning of the book that discussed the castaways time on Bermuda and their adventures once they got to Jamestown, but the chapters that discussed the references to "The Tempest" were mighty boring. Just a few references would have done the trick, but the author seems to compare every line of the play and how it how it could have been taken from Strachey writings.

Very solid, engaging read. A lot of "supposing" on the historian's part where Shakespeare was concerned, but otherwise enjoyable. History buffs won't be disappointed.

Extremely well researched. Exhaustive melding of history, literature, and the impossible mission of the Jamestown settlers. I even write to the author to thank him for telling this previously vague part of history. Highly recommend to any one anyone with interests in the colonial effort which would have failed without the events and people in this story.

interesting history 400 years ago

Great!