A Brave Vessel Paperback – Illustrated, 1 January 2010

Hobson Woodward’s “A Brave Vessel: The True Tale of the Castaways Who Rescued Jamestown and Inspired Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’” recounts the adventure of William Strachey, a passenger on the Sea Venture, who survived the vessel’s shipwreck at Bermuda en route to Virginia. Strachey embarked on his journey in order to seek his fortune amid his troubled career as a writer, recording his account in a letter home and eventually becoming the clerk of the Jamestown colony, which afforded him the opportunity to create a record of events in the colony as well as an invaluable list of Powhatan words. Strachey brilliantly dramatizes the events of his study, bringing to life the struggle of the colonists as well as the Native American perspective. He juxtaposes Strachey with William Shakespeare, whose “Tempest” drew upon Strachey and other accounts of the Sea Venture for inspiration. The result is remarkable work of scholarship that will appeal to historians and non-academics alike.

interesting history 400 years ago

Great!

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.

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