Book Summary

The first book I choose for this project is The European struggle to Settle North America, written by Margaret F. Pickett, who was a living history interpreter for the National Park Service at Historic Jamestowne for ten years, and Dwayne W. Pickett, an historical archaeologist, in 2011. Both authors are the co-director of Pickett Educational Resources. This book mainly focuses on the topic of the colonizing attempts made by England, France and Spain between 1521 and 1608. I choose this book because it talks about the struggle and problems encountered by the English as they tried to settle in Virginia, including the failures and efforts. It also discusses on the question why Jamestown and some colonies were successful while others were not. As I was reading through the preface, the authors listed libraries and state archives where they have gained information, and I found that the book contains detailed dates, geographic pictures and such. I believe this book would be helpful for my project.

Source: Pickett, Margaret F., and Dwayne W. Pickett. The European Struggle to Settle North America: Colonizing Attempts by England, France and Spain, 1521-1608. Jefferson, NC: McFarland &, 2011.