Jamestown, the Buried Truth

By: William M. Kelso

Narrated by: Rick Adamson

What was life really like for the band of adventurers who first set foot on the banks of the James River in 1607? Important as the accomplishments of these men and women were, the written records pertaining to them are scarce, ambiguous, and often conflicting, and those curious about the birthplace of the United States are left to turn to dramatic and often highly fictionalized reports.

In Jamestown, the Buried Truth, William Kelso takes us literally to the soil where the Jamestown colony began, unearthing the James Fort and its contents to reveal fascinating evidence of the lives and deaths of the first settlers, of their endeavors and struggles, and of their relationships with the Virginia Indians. He offers up a lively but fact-based account, framed around a narrative of the archaeological team's exciting discoveries.

Once thought to have been washed away by the James River, James Fort still retains much of its structure, including palisade walls, bulwarks, interior buildings, a well, a warehouse, and several pits, and more than 500,000 objects have been cataloged. Dr. Kelso and his team of archaeologists have discovered the lost burial of one of Jamestown's early leaders, presumed to be Captain Bartholomew Gosnold, and the remains of several other early settlers, including a young man who died of a musket ball wound. In addition, they've uncovered and analyzed the remains of the foundations of Jamestown's massive capitol building. Refuting the now decades-old stereotype that attributed the high mortality rate of the Jamestown settlers to their laziness and ineptitude, Jamestown, the Buried Truth produces a vivid picture of the settlement that is far more complex, incorporating the most recent archaeology to give Jamestown its rightful place in history and thus contributing to a broader understanding of the transatlantic world. The book is published by University of Virginia Press.

©2006 William M. Kelso (P)2010 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Excellent... fine writing... [P]recisely the right book at the right time for both specialists and curious readers." ( Richmond Times Dispatch)

Many unknown discoveries

Kelso does a great job in discussing the finds of his, and the APVA's work over the past 20 or so years. He starts off by telling of how they discovered the site, and then explains many of the most important finds.

Excellent

What made the experience of listening to Jamestown, the Buried Truth the most enjoyable?

Having been to Jamestown several times, it was great to get the chief archaeologist's insights and story. Despite the set backs, miscues, and disasters, the drive and vision of the people who settled is inspiring. To be sure, these were real, flawed individuals. For me, that makes the survival and ultimate success of the colony remarkable.

What other book might you compare Jamestown, the Buried Truth to and why?

I have read the available primary sources, which are available online. But as Kelso correctly points out, the written record is thin. I also plan to listen to The Savage Kingdom (available on audible!), but haven't yet.

Which scene was your favorite?

The portions dealing with Gosnold.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, there is much detailed information to digest. In fact I am on my second listening.

Any additional comments?

Another reviewer pointed out that the maps and diagrams are needed. I suggest going to historicjamestowne(dot)org for further information.

Excellent information needs visuals

The information in this book is wonderful and indepth. Unfortunately, you tend to get a little lost without the pictures in the paper book. So I recommend that you look over the maps before or during listening. There is a web pape where they can be found. The book was much easier to understand after seeing the maps.

Loved it!

I wish I had listened better in school. I would've found out earlier I love history.

Much More Than Expected!

Jamestown history has always intrigued me. I've read numerous accounts, but this one reached more deeply and broadly than any other. It's a lengthy read/listen, but it kept my attention. I highly recommend this book.