Review by Choice Review
This publication of a seminal history by an early American builds on the excellent Louis B. Wright edition of 1947, which the editors of the current edition fail to acknowledge. Editors Atias and Rountree (it is unclear who did what on the project) provide an extensive introduction and annotation (both at times digressive) and a complete list of the textual changes in Beverley's edition of 1722 over the original publication of 1705, in contrast to Wright's selective list. Endeavoring to write in the "plain style," Beverley incorporated himself into the narrative in sections two, three, and four. His work is significant both as a purist natural history and as a critique of the English government's allowance for despotism by Virginia's royal governors. While the current edition presents a thorough analysis of Beverley's history, one wishes the editors had taken on a few more aspects of Beverley writing the history--particularly to what degree, as has been alleged, did he borrow from William Byrd II's unpublished history of Virginia (which the editors do not mention)? All in all, however, this is a quality edition. Summing Up: Recommended. All general and academic collections. H. M. Ward emeritus, University of Richmond
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
