Readers of history will understand how difficult it is for some of us in the field to put our personal opinions aside to provide both sides of the story. I feel as though Horn went into the writing of this book with a lot of baggage and said baggage got heavier and heavier as the book progressed. Horn also attempts to make the issue of religion and slavery, forgive me, very black and white. There is no room for subtlety and nuance. He hedges at reasons why these aspects were different to how they were 200 years later with the Civil War, but it is obvious that the undercurrents flow throughout the timespan. Readers without any other knowledge of the American history of this period will find themselves tricked into thinking that this was just an experiment in good PR and that so much more could have been considered. Thank you for approving this title for me.

This book was okay. I got a bit bogged down as it seemed to drag in several areas, but overall, it was an interesting view of Jamestown and the early history of the colony of Virginia.

3.5 stars. A solid history of the Virginia Company and its settlements - specifically Jamestown - in what is now Virginia. I personally found the social history bits much more interesting than the sections about British and colonial politics.

Filled with great facts and thoroughly researched this book weaves together the facts to turn an interesting tale of a wonderful topic into a must read.

3.5 Stars

1619 is rich in detail, although sometimes dry. Sentences tended to run a little long, but I appreciated the excerpts and direct quotes the author used.

Focusing largely on the Virginia Company and the years surrounding 1619, this book looks at social and economic issues strongly intertwined with religion (namely Christianity). Many subjects are examined, including the colonists interaction with natives, slavery, their relationship with the Bristish crown, and more. In the end Horn shows how it relates to and influenced modern day America.

1619 is well-written and (from what I can tell) thoroughly researched. Would recommend to any history buff.

1619: Jamestown and the Forging of American Democracy is an interesting read about an important part of United States of American History. I give it 5 stars.

Very detailed book of the time period leading up to, during and immediately after the year 1619 and the colony of Jamestown, Virginia. The narrative did at times bog down with hard details that tended to confuse this reader. The rule of law that was prevelent in England was heavily modified for use in the company ran colony of Virginia. The various names of company leaders, investors, and colonists tend to run together. The maps used are accurate enough but they show only dots of the various settlements, cities, and plantations.