Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown: The Official Guide to Americas Historic Triangle

There are a few things potential readers (and travelers) should know. Anyone who has been to Williamsburg knows that the hackneyed comparisons to Disney World are complete rubbish. The town, the people who live in it, and the actors and craftsmen who create it, are magnificently authentic and dreadfully earnest. This is no fashion show, but the seat of New World democracy in the South. It's a beautiful and fascinating place, captured in its splendor in this well-refined guide. Now, this book is an "official" travel guide. That means a few things. First, it means that it's intended generally for tourists and travelers, not for serious scholars, architectural historians or colonial historians. It is NOT an architectural survey of the towns and plantations. It is also not a deeply penetrating study of the American Revolution. It's a perfectly balanced portrait of the historic triangle for the unfamiliar. In this capacity, you will not find a better publication. The book is also "official" in that it's written and published by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and includes a slight (but not overpowering) marketing tone. There's no critical or editorial element to the writing. Well illustrated with historic maps, portraits, building photographs and "action" shots, and written in an easily accessible narrative style, this book will point you in the direction of the important locations and personalities. It will make sure that you leave those locations and personalities with a better understanding of how truly important they were (and are) to the development of the United States. The United States were no accident or experiment, but a deliberate creation based on a sound, rational foundation. That foundation was, substantially, created here. The book includes excursions to Norfolk, Richmond, and Charlottesville as well. If you're travelling to the historic triangle, or you're simply missing it from previous visits, this is the book you want.

Excellent book, an easy, entertaining read full of great historical information in a story format, followed by a step-by-step guide through the entire area. I would recommend this guide as a must-have for any visitor to the area.

I purchased this Awesome book (truly Awesome) before my trip to Williamsburg. I wasn't looking for a "guide book". I was only interested in re-learning the historical highlights of the area so I would know something about what I would see and come away with meaningful lasting memories. I previewed about a dozen books on the subject/area and browsed through a few (including this one) at that oh-so-ubiquitous Towne Centre Bookseller. This book turned out to be PERFECT!!! It actually provides quite a bit of history in the first "What Happened" sections. And even the "What to See" sections are rich with fascinating historical accounts, which relate clearly to the specifics of the sites. It is VERY well written and provides just enough detail to satisfy most questions without ever becoming "dry". In addition, many lesser-known accounts have been sprinkled throughout to add some surprising "spice" to the mix. I didn't want to put it down. And if that's not enough, the photographs and graphics are fascinating and of strikingly excellent quality. It was great to see first-hand portraits of Pocahontas, General Cornwallis, and other familiar characters. I sincerely feel that every American should own this book. I just ordered a second one for my nephew (note that some stories are definitely "PG-13").

This is the most wonderful Historic Triangle guide I've ever seen. I just returned from a 5 day stay in that area and this book told me what I needed to know to enjoy 100% of the areas I was interested in. My focus was not on shopping or eating as much as the actual history of the triangle area and I got what I needed to set out an itinerary that satisfied me totally and then some. The only thing that I wasn't able to plan ahead for was seeing the Queen of England twice in Williamsburg! You can feel comfortable in using this guide and gaining the level of historical involvement that you desire.

This book is a wonderful resource, not only for visitors but also for those of us who live in the area. I've been in Williamsburg and James City for more than 15 years, but even I am discovering all sorts of places to go and things to do here. And the sections on the history of the area are tremendous fun to read.