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Pocahontas: A Life from Beginning to End
The name Pocahontas is one of the most recognized in the world, and many think they know the story of how she met and fell in love with a European colonist meddling in her Native American affairs. But is this really what happened? It certainly has been a popular theme and whole Disney movies have been made celebrating this narrative, but besides these conveniently glossed-over tales, what is the real story?
In this book, we will brush aside artistic license, and get to the true-life story of who Pocahontas was, what she did, and the legacy that she left behind.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
The Arrival of John Smith
The Abduction of Pocahontas
Meeting John Rolfe
The Peace of Pocahontas
Journey to England
Late Life and Death
In this book, we will brush aside artistic license, and get to the true-life story of who Pocahontas was, what she did, and the legacy that she left behind.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
The Arrival of John Smith
The Abduction of Pocahontas
Meeting John Rolfe
The Peace of Pocahontas
Journey to England
Late Life and Death
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2020
182 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 7, 2024
I have not read the Hourly History books before, but I am glad to have discovered them because I appreciate how this standardized layout is able to cover a large amount of a particular time frame of history in a condensed, easy to enjoy format.
Pocahontas was largely misunderstood until the last 25 years or so when historians researched multiple perspectives of the time of Pocahontas’ influence.
Fascinating and enjoyable, I recommend this book and to look into what other subjects this book series covers.
Pocahontas was largely misunderstood until the last 25 years or so when historians researched multiple perspectives of the time of Pocahontas’ influence.
Fascinating and enjoyable, I recommend this book and to look into what other subjects this book series covers.
December 7, 2020
The life of Pocahontas was not what I expected at all. It's funny that I grew up hearing her name and I'd heard stories that I assumed were partly true, and then of course I'd watched the Disney movie. It turns out that everything I'd ever heard about Pocahonatas was false. Her life was fascinating, dramatic, tragic, and sad. Her sharp wits and quick thinking made her a hero, and yet it was her association with the white man that ultimately made her a captive and then a bride. It was very ironic that she should run into John Smith again in England years later. I am glad that she was able to speak her mind to him at that time. It is so sad that Pocohantas died at such a young age, leaving behind her young son. I wish someone would make a movie about her life that is accurate because that is the most fascinating story of all, not the fairy tale.
September 17, 2020
This is the story of one of the most famous Indian women in the Americas. The name 'Pocahontas' seems to have been a nickname, meaning 'playful one' or 'wanton one.' Her real name was 'Matoaka.' Although Pocahontas' mother seems to have died at her birth, her father was a chief of the Powhatan tribe. Of course, we know that there was no such thing as an 'Indian princess;' Indians did not have a royalty hierarchy in their social structure.
Pocahontas saved John Smith's life in late 1607 when she was between 10 and 13-years-of-age. After John Smith returned to England, Pocahontas was told he was dead. Over the years, she became an adult, married, and possibly had a child. To get European hostages and guns from her father, Pocahontas was abducted by the Virginians. At that time, it seems her Indian husband was killed in a skirmish to get her back.
Strangely enough, she was with the English for so long that she had time to be instructed in Christianity and learn something of the Bible. Some say she adopted European dress and caught the eye of John Rolfe, a widower who had also lost an infant son soon after coming to the New World.
Pocahontas took the name ' Rebecca' when she converted to Christianity and it holds significance because, through Pocahontas, peace was arranged between two warring groups and she married Rolfe. When they traveled to England, Pocahontas met King James I of England. On her way back home to Virginia, Pocahontas became ill and died. Because she was from a land without significant illnesses, she may have contracted one of the many contagious illnesses of Europe. She died at about 21-years-of-age. The ship could not take her body to Virginia, so she was buried in Gravesend, England on March 21, 1617.
Although she lived such a short time and we know little of her childhood, Pocahontas has left an indelible mark on America's memory of this unique individual.
Pocahontas saved John Smith's life in late 1607 when she was between 10 and 13-years-of-age. After John Smith returned to England, Pocahontas was told he was dead. Over the years, she became an adult, married, and possibly had a child. To get European hostages and guns from her father, Pocahontas was abducted by the Virginians. At that time, it seems her Indian husband was killed in a skirmish to get her back.
Strangely enough, she was with the English for so long that she had time to be instructed in Christianity and learn something of the Bible. Some say she adopted European dress and caught the eye of John Rolfe, a widower who had also lost an infant son soon after coming to the New World.
Pocahontas took the name ' Rebecca' when she converted to Christianity and it holds significance because, through Pocahontas, peace was arranged between two warring groups and she married Rolfe. When they traveled to England, Pocahontas met King James I of England. On her way back home to Virginia, Pocahontas became ill and died. Because she was from a land without significant illnesses, she may have contracted one of the many contagious illnesses of Europe. She died at about 21-years-of-age. The ship could not take her body to Virginia, so she was buried in Gravesend, England on March 21, 1617.
Although she lived such a short time and we know little of her childhood, Pocahontas has left an indelible mark on America's memory of this unique individual.
September 11, 2020
Not much to work with
I can't really say that this was a poorly done biography - there's just so little material to work with. It must have been frustrating for the researchers at Hourly History as well; it is mentioned a number of times in the book that there is very little actual historical information about Pocahontas that has survived to the modern era. I certainly don't fault the author for this, but it translates as a very bare bones read for the rest of us. Sad, I suppose- but it is what it is.
I guess I may as well recommend the book to anyone who is interested in learning about Pocahontas, but don't expect a rich, in depth treatment of her life. The historical record is unfortunately slim.
I can't really say that this was a poorly done biography - there's just so little material to work with. It must have been frustrating for the researchers at Hourly History as well; it is mentioned a number of times in the book that there is very little actual historical information about Pocahontas that has survived to the modern era. I certainly don't fault the author for this, but it translates as a very bare bones read for the rest of us. Sad, I suppose- but it is what it is.
I guess I may as well recommend the book to anyone who is interested in learning about Pocahontas, but don't expect a rich, in depth treatment of her life. The historical record is unfortunately slim.
August 16, 2025
I was really excited over this book but my excitement became somewhat tempered by some uncertainty and ambiguity on some of her history [at least they were honest about it].
That was disappointing enough but then I came across this totally erroneous statement: "Rebecca [speaking of the Biblical Rebekah] was a woman who united two groups of people in much the same way Pocahontas was expected to bring the Native American and European elements of the New World together." The Biblical Rebekah did not such thing, in fact, somewhat the opposite in encouraging Jacob to lie to his father Isaac and "supplant" his brother Esau causing almost lifelong friction between them and their descendants. The Hourly History writers cannot seem to get their Biblical narratives correct.
What could have been a great account ended up being a middling account. The author teases us with modern sensibilities being applied to ancient mores and then explained away. What the point was is unknown.
April 25, 2022
“The name Pocahontas is one of the most recognized in the world.”
Earlier this month, I visited Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg. After seeing an exhibit on Pocahontas, I wanted to learn a little more. While this short book relates a lot of information I remember from school and the exhibit, there was some things I did not know. She was an interesting historical character and Disney definitely did not get her story right.
Earlier this month, I visited Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg. After seeing an exhibit on Pocahontas, I wanted to learn a little more. While this short book relates a lot of information I remember from school and the exhibit, there was some things I did not know. She was an interesting historical character and Disney definitely did not get her story right.
March 16, 2023
His part should have been placed as the second part in the series as it is dedicated to the very beginning of the tragic relationship between Americans and Europeans.
Pocahontas is some kind of romantic icon and her short life is not the greatest subject to explore but the story about initial contact between new settlers and indigenous people gives a great perspective on how in a few hundred years the story got sadder and sadder.
Pocahontas is some kind of romantic icon and her short life is not the greatest subject to explore but the story about initial contact between new settlers and indigenous people gives a great perspective on how in a few hundred years the story got sadder and sadder.
April 2, 2021
Who was the real Pocahontas?
Mist of what we know of this Native American Princess has been fictionalized by books, and movies. But what you will read herein is as close to the truth as it can possibly be. Most interesting is that she was just a child when she met John Smith, and still in her teens when she met and married John Rolfe. Her short life is an inspiration.
Mist of what we know of this Native American Princess has been fictionalized by books, and movies. But what you will read herein is as close to the truth as it can possibly be. Most interesting is that she was just a child when she met John Smith, and still in her teens when she met and married John Rolfe. Her short life is an inspiration.
November 22, 2022
This book helps to clear us misunderstandings
This book reveals some of the unknown truth about this historical individual. It also points out the arrogance of some of the English settlers and more so that of the English ruling class. We all would like to know more of her true story.
This book reveals some of the unknown truth about this historical individual. It also points out the arrogance of some of the English settlers and more so that of the English ruling class. We all would like to know more of her true story.
March 5, 2024
Pocahontas
This was a very revealing story about the real Pocahontas. She lived in the late 1500's and early 1600's! For some reason, I'd always thought she was alive in the early 1800's! It was wonderful to read a true account of her life. It is just a shame that she died so young.
This was a very revealing story about the real Pocahontas. She lived in the late 1500's and early 1600's! For some reason, I'd always thought she was alive in the early 1800's! It was wonderful to read a true account of her life. It is just a shame that she died so young.
November 17, 2024
A Native American legend
This is a touching story of Pocahontas. A person,, who is adored in American, we all know of. The problem is we don't know the whole story. The myth has intermingled with the truth and we are left with a legendary figure. This short book tries to give a clearer picture of her and does a fairly decent job.
This is a touching story of Pocahontas. A person,, who is adored in American, we all know of. The problem is we don't know the whole story. The myth has intermingled with the truth and we are left with a legendary figure. This short book tries to give a clearer picture of her and does a fairly decent job.
January 30, 2021
Muy complacido por haber conocido a traves de este libro la biografia de una muchacha excepcional. Sin lugar a dudas una joven mujer sin parangon en muchos aspectos. Invita ademas a leer el libro de Camilla Townsend sobre ella. Este libro me dejo un buen sabor.
November 26, 2021
Interesting life of the famous Native American
This narrative of Pocahontas is captivating and full of mystery concerning her life and relationships that helped forge the begining of America
This narrative of Pocahontas is captivating and full of mystery concerning her life and relationships that helped forge the begining of America
November 21, 2022
A Life Mostly Unknown
Pocahontas was only a child when her relationship with the colonists via John Smith occurred. I thought that she had married John Smith, but he was much older than her and she looked at him as a father. She married John Rolfe and had a child. After a short trip to England, she died on ship enroute home to America. They returned to England to bury her. She apparently died a Christian and left a young son.
Pocahontas was only a child when her relationship with the colonists via John Smith occurred. I thought that she had married John Smith, but he was much older than her and she looked at him as a father. She married John Rolfe and had a child. After a short trip to England, she died on ship enroute home to America. They returned to England to bury her. She apparently died a Christian and left a young son.
September 14, 2020
A very interesting read.
September 15, 2020
Pocahontas the meteorite
She must have been a pleasure to meet: kind, loving and trusting. A shame that her path crossed with European colonialism.
She must have been a pleasure to meet: kind, loving and trusting. A shame that her path crossed with European colonialism.
November 20, 2020
Clears up some preconceived ideas
February 3, 2021
A concise overview, but felt quite biased.
November 29, 2021
Very short life!
Did not realize that she was barely 21 years old at her death. She accomplished many things especially bringing her tribe and the English together. Amazing life.
Did not realize that she was barely 21 years old at her death. She accomplished many things especially bringing her tribe and the English together. Amazing life.
July 24, 2022
Pocahontas
This is a very good book with a good story line about a young native American girl/woman who is to this day an inspiration to all who have heard ,or read about her.
This is a very good book with a good story line about a young native American girl/woman who is to this day an inspiration to all who have heard ,or read about her.
July 4, 2023
such a tragedy
December 28, 2023
A well written biography of the short life of one of the most famous native Americans.
January 10, 2024
Quick read. I know we didn’t know much but there really isn’t a lot on Pocahontas.
March 7, 2024
A well-written biography of Pocahontas. I learned a lot from this book, including just how politically influential Pocahontas was. I have heard the usual stories and legends about her, but nothing about "The Peace of Pocahontas".
The author is unbiased and seems to openly disclose things like a lack of first-person accounts of particular events, a general lack of records, or a possibly unbiased source. At the same time, he/she genuinely seems to feel admiration and appreciation for Pocahontas, including what would seem to be her kind, playful nature.
That "seems to be", though, shows the only thing this biography lacks. There are so few first-person sources related to Pocahontas during her lifetime, and so much missing information. Saddest of all, Pocahontas never wrote about her own life. Often, people criticize our era of social media and celebrity culture, but in this case, I really wish that 17th century England had been a bit like the way it is today - Pocahontas surely would have been interviewed on TV and social media, profiled in magazines. We would have had so much more information about her and about her point of view.
As it is, the author does a good job of putting together the evidence we have in order to construct a compelling, but impossibly incomplete, portrait of this famous yet mysterious historical figure.
The author is unbiased and seems to openly disclose things like a lack of first-person accounts of particular events, a general lack of records, or a possibly unbiased source. At the same time, he/she genuinely seems to feel admiration and appreciation for Pocahontas, including what would seem to be her kind, playful nature.
That "seems to be", though, shows the only thing this biography lacks. There are so few first-person sources related to Pocahontas during her lifetime, and so much missing information. Saddest of all, Pocahontas never wrote about her own life. Often, people criticize our era of social media and celebrity culture, but in this case, I really wish that 17th century England had been a bit like the way it is today - Pocahontas surely would have been interviewed on TV and social media, profiled in magazines. We would have had so much more information about her and about her point of view.
As it is, the author does a good job of putting together the evidence we have in order to construct a compelling, but impossibly incomplete, portrait of this famous yet mysterious historical figure.
May 3, 2024
The large amount of typos in this make reading it a distraction.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews