JOHN SMITH OF VIRGINIA

Mr. Syme's terse and unsparing narration conveys the vigour, hardship and many animosities that marked the life of the man who did so much to found Virginia. Unlike much of the history written for this age group, this does not create the impression that the struggle was all in the name of virtue. Along with the more personal events in Smith's life, it details the ill feelings, both among the British and with the Indians, and Smith's often ironic position as creator of the wrath he hoped to dispel. A complete biography, this also broadens to show England's relations with the world, and for reading enjoyment has its exiting moments. For twelve year olds as well. The tension of the times is carried out in William Stobbs' drawings.