The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles

The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles (often abbreviated to The Generall Historie) is a book written by Captain John Smith (1580–1631). The book is one of the earliest, if not the earliest, history of the territory administered by the London Company. Often considered Smith's most important work, this book combined elements from his previous writings with new material to create a more complete history of the American colonies. Among the most notable additions is a more detailed account of conflicts colonists had with the indigenous peoples as well as an account of Pocahontas's aid to him and the colony. In all of his works, but most especially in The Generall Historie, Smith wrote exuberantly of the resources and advantages available to American colonists. Although Smith tended to exaggerate in his writing, there is consensus among historians that his account is consistent with the basic facts of his life. The Generall Historie was first printed by I.D and I. H. for Michael Sparkes in 1624. Other editions followed in 1625, 1626, 1627, 1629, 1631, and 1632.