By Dr. Linwood “Little Bear” Custalow

and Angela L. Daniel “Silver Star”

The True Story of Pocahontas, The Other Side of History is the first published rendition of the Powhatan side of the historical events of the early years of the English colonists’ Jamestown settlement and the involvement of Chief Powhatan’s favorite daughter Pocahontas. Mattaponi tribal historian, Dr. Linwood “LIttle Bear” Custalow and Angela Daniel “Silver Star,” a PhD candidate at the College of William & Mary, Department of Anthropology, team up together to deliver the Powhatan side based on Mattaponi Powhatan oral tradition, which finds validation in the 16th and 17th-century European writings (see  end notes).  The True Story of Pocahontas, The Other Side of History challenges, and enters into a dialogue with Euro-American interpretations of the Pocahontas story.  The book is written with the intention of maintaining Dr. Lin Little Bear’s voice.

All the royalties from this book are deposited into the Mattaponi Eagle Trust for educational scholarships for Mattaponi and Pamunkey, as well as for land acquisition for the Mattaponi Reservation. 

Published by Fulcrum Publishing

 

True Story of Pocahontas, The Other Side of History receives five stars on Amazon.com. 

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read for 2007, April 12, 2007

By James Schuyler (Richmond VA USA) - See all my reviews

(REAL NAME)  

This is a very important story that should be read by as many people as possible. It is essential that we recognize the value of oral history--and the other side of history that is presented here. We generally know so little about the native people who interacted with the English settlers of Jamestown--their beliefs, their way of life, and their perspective. We are very fortunate that Dr. Custalow was willing to share the story that he knows with the rest of us, particularly as we turn our attention to Jamestown during this "celebration" year. It is beautifully and evocatively written and well worth your time and thought. I know that reading it has affected me, and increased my understanding of this pivotal time in our nation's history. Thank you for your contribution, Dr. Custalow.

5.0 out of 5 stars A book everyone should read, July 18, 2007

By A. Leonard (Richmond, VA)

(REAL NAME)  

The authors of this book felt that this was the time to finally tell the true story of Pocahontas, and I completely agree. It's time people, especially Americans, face the truth that has been shrouded in romantic myth for far too long. It may be difficult for some to think of such historical figures as John Smith, John Rolfe and others to be anything but heroes, but it's far more important to the history of this country that the truth be told. The Mattaponi, Pocahontas's tribe, has kept their secret knowledge of the truth to themselves for 400 years. It is with bravery and no doubt a sense of relief that they finally decided to share it with the world. The time for Disney movies and romanticized stories is over: it is now time for the truth.

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for every American history class, March 4, 2008

By Kim Murphy "mystic reader"

(REAL NAME)  

Pocahontas's life has reached mythical proportions. How could any book possibly offer new information? The True Story of Pocahontas was written by the Mattaponi, her tribe. After having read many accounts about the legendary woman's life, I tried to interlock the jigsaw puzzle with the pieces never quite fitting. Not only did this book answer my questions, it filled in the gaping holes.

John Smith wrote the stories about Pocahontas saving his life several years after her death. Other texts admit as much, yet most gloss over why this may have been. Few also question why a woman abducted by what must have seemed like an alien culture would immediately dress like her captors, convert to Christianity, and marry within a year of her captivity. All of those facts, plus another side to Pocahontas's death, are revealed with shocking clarity. The True Story of Pocahontas should be required reading for every American history class.

4.0 out of 5 stars The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of History, March 14, 2007

By Deborah Mitchell (Marianna, Florida USA)

(REAL NAME)  

The book tells a "new" story to me from the standpoint of the Powhatan Indians of Virginia. I enjoyed learning of Pocahontas from the viewpoint of her ancestors. This oral history of her life was enlightening. It made me rethink how my English ancestors behaved and how they may not have been as truthful and honest to a trusting Powhatan Indian Chief, Pocahontas's father, to gain successful knowledge about planting and growing crops in the "New World." I also never knew that Pocahontas might have been kidnapped by the settlers. To learn in this book that Pocahontas may have been poisoned in England, where she died, it was very sad.

Great read!

Thanks to Dr. Custalow.

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of The True Story of Pocahontas, April 11, 2007

By Barbara H. Adkins "Barbara 'Little Doe' Adkins" (Gloucester, Virginia, USA)

After reading this version of Pocahontas, a lot of things became clearer to me. I could never understand how, when the Natives from the rest of the United States were treated so horribly by the Anglos, that the Natives of Virginia escaped, virtually unscathed, during the time of Powhatan. It was very informative, beautifully written and I am grateful that the truth has been told. My congratulations go out to both Linwood Custalow and Angie Daniels for writing this book. I know that Chief Webster 'Little Eagle' Custalow, from his present vantage point, is very proud of this contribution to history. I only wish that he were here, in person, to tell you this.

Thank you for sharing,

Barbara 'Little Doe' Adkins

Gloucester, Virginia