The book American Genesis Captain John Smith and the Founding of Virginia, by Alden T. Vaughan, speaks on John Smith, his attributions to the New World, and the struggles the New World had. After several brave encounters, John Smith gained recognition from Bartholomew Gosnold. Gosnold, an organizer of London Co., was in need of leaders for the Chesapeake Bay project. Smith, with his army training and spirit for the sea, appeared qualified for the job. Eagerly, after being asked, Smith began leading expeditions to Virginia. Through founding and failure, Captain John Smith, with the help of these expeditions, sparked a huge interest in the settling of the New England Area. Unfortunately, the company was never fully happy with Smith and their constant neediness drove him to abandonment towards Virginia. It was not until John Smith left Virginia, had his colonist and Vaughn's readers realized his importance. Over time the Virginia settlements eventually become more refined, and politically stable. Readers are able to see that without Smith leaving there would be no intention to make the New World better. This broadly shows how Captain John Smith impacted the New World. .
The writer's use of research is apparent throughout the book. The extent of depth carefully noted throughout the bibliography is drawn from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are those that the writer actually is involved in gathering the facts, finding examples, and forming ideas. Actual records of Virginia and Jamestown, complied from the period of 1606 to 1939, are among the primary sources Vaughan used. Secondary sources are just extra information already written found by the researcher. Books on the history and politics of Virginia along with books on the discovery of America served as Vaughan's secondary sources. .
Vaughan's literary quality was superb. Making a book read as though it was created for a reader's entertainment, other than to inform, requires a practiced writer.