17th century

Traces the adventures of seventeenth-century ship captain Nathaniel Courthope, charged by King James I of England to lead a mission to the tiny island of Run, the most lucrative of the Spice Islands; and discusses the historical impact of his journey.

A biography of the seventeenth-century Mexican poet, learned in many subjects, who became a nun later in life.

Chronicles the events surrounding the sinking of a fleet of French ships in the Caribbean Sea on January 2, 1678, and explains how the accident caused the rise of piracy and the beginning of an era which would forever change the shape of the Americas.

Recounts Henry Hudson's 1609 arrival at Manhattan Island from the perspectives of the Eastern Algonquins, who greeted Hudson as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies; Robert Juet, who accompanied Hudson; and Hudson himself.

The Scarlet Letter unfolds the tale of Hester Prynne, a yong woman branded as an adutleress in the harsh Puritan world of 17th-century New England.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Describes daily life in Jamestown for the British men and women whose charge was to find gold and a route to the Orient but found only hardship and despair.