"...These places in my dreams have a precise topography, but they are completely different. They may be mountain paths or swamps or jungles, it doesn't matter: I know that I am on a certain corner in Buenos Aires. I try to find my way."
- "Nightmares", SEVEN NIGHTS, Borges, Jorge Luis.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

SAVAGE KINGDOM. Woolley, Benjamin.


Subtitled, "The True Story of Jamestown, 1607, and the Settlement of America."

Well, sometimes, the truth is tedious, and complicated, and really, somewhat boring.

I looked forward to this book coming out and when I finally saw it on the New Books shelf at the library, I couldn't wait to read it.
It is not a quick read.

Woolley seems to leave no trivial detail unturned in the story of Jamestown's founding. There is an adventure tale, and a morality tale, both present in this story but they are both clouded over by tedious details of the capitalist undertakings of the business men and politicians who really made Jamestown happen. I realize they made it happen, but - that part is just not very interesting. Unless you're an economics historian or something. Does such a tedious person exist? Well, if so, this book is for them.

Only recommended for History of Economics professors. Everyone else should watch Disney's POCAHONTAS with their kids.
Okay, or find a better book about Jamestown. Then, please tell ME about it, so I can read it, too.

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