This is the real story of the settlers who have never enjoyed the acclaim of the more celebrated Plymouth Pilgrims. Within a year of their arrival, two-thirds are dead from Indian attacks, disease, or starvation. Damned by fortune, they are subsequently condemned by historians: Couldn't they defend themselves? Why not dig a well?

Now, new archaeological evidence unearthed at Jamestown gives us the bigger picture. The compelling text details the severe drought that the settlers chanced upon. We learn of the settlers' struggles through their artifacts, which reveal an industrious group of builders, hunters and fishermen. The evidence also shows signs of smelting iron, making glass, and refining precious metals. We meet Pocahontas, legendary daughter of a powerful Indian chief, whose marriage to John Rolfe helps broker a temporary peace.

In this handsome, engaging book, compelling new theories and stunning reenactment photography take us back to Jamestown in 1607, where the course of history changed forever. Through this updated and objective reassessment, we learn the real history lesson of Jamestown: how a great nation grew from a colony that nearly failed.

Ira Block has photographed on assignment for the National Geographic magazine, Traveler magazine, and National Geographic Adventure. He lives in New York City.