John Smith

"John Smith," line engraving from the 18th century, after Simon De Passe. 6 7/8 in. x 4 3/4 in. Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Place of birth

• England

Date of birth

• 1580

Date of death (if applicable)

• 1631

Place of death (if applicable)

Burial location (if mentioned)

Interesting facts about this author’s childhood

Marriage and family

Place(s) where this author lived. Include dates and explain how each

place influenced them.• England

• Virginia

• Traveled through Europe, Africa and America

How did this author become inspired to write?

• Wrote about his adventures and travels

• NOT A PURITAN

Where applicable, explain any obstacles this writer faced.

• Survival of adventures and death threats

How successful was this author during his/her lifetime

• Five descriptions of Jamestown, Virginia and its struggles, seven other books, & map of Virginia

• Popular in England• two most famous are A Description of New

England (1616) and The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles (1624)

• Originated legend of Pocahontas & Powhatan

If the author wasn’t successful or popular at the time of their death, explain how and why they are still

well known today.

Why is this author considered influential?

• Most of Jametown’s history by Smith

• Energetic tales

Identify 3-5 characteristics of this author

• curious (explorer, geographer, sailor, etc.)

• adventurous (sailor, traveler, colonist)

• commanding (bossy) and crotchety (grumpy) according to text