This book encompassed a vast amount of information, and truly, I gleaned a significant amount of knowledge about this region of our country.

Nonetheless, I could have done without the rather far-fetched tragedy of the Steed couple and the details of his improper relationship with a slave.

The book adhered to the familiar Michener pattern of commencing from the very beginning... and by that, I truly mean the very start... and progressing towards the modern era.

At certain moments, this pattern led to a somewhat contrived storyline.

However, I have the intention to visit many of these places in the near future, and thanks to this comprehensive book, I will be somewhat prepared for what I am about to encounter.

Overall, despite its flaws, the book has provided me with valuable insights and a better understanding of the area.

I look forward to experiencing these places firsthand and seeing how they compare to the descriptions in the book.

Perhaps my visit will offer a new perspective and enhance my appreciation for this region even further.

This novel is truly a remarkable work of art.

It delves deep into the rich tapestry of real historical events that took place around the Chesapeake Bay. The story unfolds, covering a significant amount of these historical happenings, painting a vivid picture of the times.

What makes this novel even more captivating is the way in which the fictional characters are seamlessly woven into these events. They interact with the historical backdrop, adding an element of mystery and intrigue.

The author's skill in combining fact and fiction creates a unique and engaging reading experience. It allows the reader to not only learn about the history of the Chesapeake Bay but also become emotionally invested in the lives of the fictional characters.

Overall, this novel is a masterpiece that offers a fascinating exploration of history and human nature.

This is my very first Michener book, and I truly regret that it took me such a long time to pick up a work by this author. The sheer size of his books initially made me hesitant to embark on reading one. However, I am now extremely glad that I did. I absolutely loved this book, especially the way he incorporated the geese, ducks, and crane throughout the narrative.

My favorite chapters were undoubtedly those that focused on the stories about the ducks. Michener employs fictional families to vividly depict the history and life of the Chesapeake area, which includes Virginia and Maryland. He fearlessly delves into the ugly and dark period of slavery, yet manages to do so in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. He is indeed an excellent storyteller, able to bring the past to life and make the reader feel as if they are a part of it.

I have now become a new fan of Michener's works. It is important to note that this book does contain some profanity, but despite this, it does not overshadow the overall quality and value of the story.

In 1608, the English adventurer John Smith landed on the American North Coast in a large, narrow bay: the Chesapeake Bay. Among his comrades is the Catholic Edmund Steed, who has fled persecution in his homeland. After initial battles with local Indian tribes, Steed decides to settle on an island near the mouth of the Choptank, which he names Devon.

In the sequel to "Centennial", James Michener refrains from tracing the development of the large bay back to earlier geological eras and begins his story with the Indian Pentaquod before the arrival of the English settlers. However, the indigenous population takes up significantly less space than was the case in Centennial. It doesn't take long until the peaceful Indian tribe living near Devon is more or less wiped out and only descendants of them through a mixed marriage appear in the book. In "Chesapeake", especially in the first parts of the book, a lot is about religion, because not only the Catholic Steed family, but also the Quaker Paxmore family do not belong to the Protestant majority religion of the colonies. The Quakers are initially persecuted in some colonies and executed as heretics. But Devon is located in Maryland, the only Catholic colony where other Christian denominations were tolerated. Interestingly, Michener himself was raised as a Quaker.

As in his other books, we follow the history of the region through the descendants of some earlier protagonists. Regarding the characters, "Chesapeake" cannot quite keep up with "Centennial". Although there are some real likeable characters like Rosalind Steed, overall I could find a good access to fewer characters here. As my reading buddy soon noticed, in "Chesapeake" the bay itself is actually the main character.

An important theme that runs through Michener's books is the destruction of nature. The colonists clear the forests, the livelihood of the Indians. Later, they use可怕的 hunting weapons with which dozens of wild birds can be killed with one shot, so that ducks and geese disappear completely from the region for a time. The oyster beds in the Bay are also mercilessly exploited. The corresponding chapters are accordingly also those with unsympathetic characters, namely the greedy hunters. Even the consequences of climate change play a role in the 1978 novel.

In comparison with Michener's novels that take place in the Western United States, slavery of course plays a greater role in "Chesapeake". So we follow the abduction and enslavement of a young man from the Congo region and his time as a slave with one of the Steeds and a slave driver who is supposed to break the spirit of rebellious slaves in a可怕的 way. As entertaining as the first chapters about the Turlocks, now acting as pirates in the Caribbean, the descendants of a British criminal deported as a convict, are, they become bitter when they finally operate their ships as slave ships.

The last major theme in the novel is the Watergate scandal, in which two of Michener's protagonists are involved. Regarding this, I must admit that I can't say too much, as my knowledge of the scandal is limited.

Overall, "Chesapeake" is the best-plotted book I have read by Michener so far, a coherent story of the region in North America that was settled earliest by Europeans. My favorite book by Michener remains "Centennial" because of certain characters and the stronger role of the Indians, but Chesapeake is surely a masterpiece of the author.

What a remarkable and comprehensive overview of life in the Chesapeake and Eastern Shore of Maryland! It begins with the perspective of the Native Americans before colonization and then follows through the numerous generations of various families. There are the Steeds, the planters of Devon Island; the Paxmores, the intellectual Quakers residing on Peace Cliff; the Turlocks, who mingled with the natives and were most at ease living, and sometimes just barely surviving, in the marshes; the Caters, direct descendants of the African, Cudjo; and the Caveneys, feisty Irish immigrants who arrived relatively late in the grand scheme of things. Michener masterfully tells the American story through the lives of the members of these families. Collectively, it is a tale that encompasses success and failure, loyalty and betrayal, faith and denial, all intertwined with hard work, war, and life in and around the waters of the Chesapeake.

It delves into some of the most challenging issues that Americans have faced since the nation's earliest days, such as religious tolerance, slavery, and immigration. It also highlights the transformations in living, loving, working, and worshipping in this region. This is a truly great book. It is filled with exciting action and brimming with vivid and fascinating characters. Moreover, the portrayal of the Chesapeake area is so vivid and distinct that it clearly emerges as a central character in the book!

It’s dated, but there is something very compelling about a story told at the scale of geographic change.

Such a story has the power to transport us to different times and places, allowing us to witness the evolution of landscapes and civilizations.

It can reveal the forces that have shaped our world, from the movements of tectonic plates to the actions of human beings.

By exploring the past through the lens of geography, we can gain a deeper understanding of our present and make more informed decisions about our future.

Whether it’s the story of a great empire that rose and fell, or the transformation of a small village into a bustling city, a story told at the scale of geographic change has the potential to inspire, educate, and fascinate.

So, while the concept may seem old-fashioned, there is still much to be gained from delving into the rich tapestry of our planet’s history.

An old friend, revisited. I have delved into numerous novels penned by Michener, and each and every one of them has been of outstanding quality. This particular one most definitely belongs in that esteemed category. It served as a source of solace and strength during a difficult and dark period of my life. Its pages became a refuge, a place where I could lose myself and find a glimmer of hope. The story within its covers had the power to transport me to another world, away from the turmoil and pain. And for that reason, it will be etched in my memory forever, a cherished reminder of a time when I needed it the most.

I truly loved it. It wasn't as captivating and thrilling as Alaska, with its majestic glaciers and wild landscapes that seem to call out to the adventurer in everyone. Nor was it as opulent and diverse as the Caribbean, with its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a plethora of vibrant cultures and cuisines. However, it also didn't have the vast and seemingly endless expanse of Texas, which can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming in its size.

Despite not having the extreme qualities of these other places, it had its own unique charm. It offered a different kind of experience, one that was perhaps more understated but no less enjoyable. The scenery was beautiful in its own way, with rolling hills, charming little towns, and a sense of tranquility that was truly refreshing.

Overall, I would definitely recommend it. It's a place that can offer a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a chance to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure of a different kind, this place has something to offer. So, give it a try and see for yourself what makes it so special.

One of the best books I have ever read is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

It takes the reader on an unforgettable journey through a world filled with vivid characters and captivating storylines.

The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it impossible to put the book down.

Each page is filled with excitement, mystery, and emotion, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat.

The book not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into human nature and the world around us.

It makes us think, reflect, and question our own beliefs and values.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature and wants to be transported to another world.

It has left a lasting impression on me and will continue to be a favorite for years to come.

1583-1608 Voyage 1 and The River. Pentaquod, a Native American, leaves the warlike Susquehannocks. He flees by canoe down the river, discovers new areas, and lives alone for a time.

Eventually, he seeks a village and finds one of small people who prefer flight to fight. They teach him their language and show him oysters and crabs. This tribe becomes known as the Choptank, and the river takes their name. Pentaquod becomes the tribe leader, marries the granddaughter of the prior leader, and has 2 sons and a daughter. He moves his family to a secluded area for a couple of years, but then the Great Canoe arrives.

1608-1636 Voyage 2 and The Island. Edmund Steed journeys with Captain Smith from Jamestown in search of treasures and a passage to India. They stumble upon the Choptank tribe.

The Island chapter begins with England's monarchy and its relationship with the Church. Edmund's family struggles to maintain their Catholic faith against the Protestant monarchy, leading him to leave for America. He spends 3 years in Jamestown and then heads to the island he saw with the captain. He makes it his home, befriends Pentaquod, and starts trading with Jamestown. Edmund marries crazy Meg, has a son Ralph, but she leaves when Janney brings a new potential wife from England. Edmund marries Martha, has 3 children with her, and learns about tobacco from Janney. He burns too much land, upsetting the Choptank, who eventually move away, leaving him without labor. Word comes that the Eastern Shore will be Maryland and house Catholic communities. Edmund argues in the capital for Maryland to govern itself and wins after months of debate. He dies on the trip back to his island.

1636-1661 Voyage 3 and The Marsh. Timothy Turlock, a slow-minded thief, is sent to Virginia as an indentured servant. He escapes to the marshes, buys land with stolen goods, marries Pentaquod's widowed daughter Tciblento, and has twin boys.

He helps defend the Steeds against hunters who take over abandoned Indian land and kill any Indians they come across. Timothy then has a daughter with a Swedish servant, Birgitta, and other illegitimate children. The Indians are being wiped out by the white men.

1661-1701 Voyage 4 and The Cliff. Edward, a carpenter and indentured servant in Boston, becomes a Quaker after talking to a persecuted Quaker in jail. He is whipped through multiple towns and dumped in Rhode Island.

Feeling a calling to help Quakers in Massachusetts, he keeps getting arrested and whipped. Finally, a judge takes pity on him and sends him to Maryland via Barbados, where he can live as a Quaker without persecution. He marries Ruth Brinton, a devout Quaker, and uses his carpentry skills to build boats. The Steeds commission him to build a ship, but it is stolen by pirates. Ruth convinces him to free the slaves, but they are taken by pirates and sold into slavery in Haiti, where they die. Timothy Turlock dies during a pirate ship raid.

1701-1773 Voyage 5 and Rosalind’s Revenge. Rosalind Janney, an unattractive Virginian, focuses on her intelligence and learns to manage a plantation. Her father finds her a husband in Hugh Steed, who has a mistress and children.

Evelyn, Hugh's daughter, takes over managing the plantation, and Mark, his son, takes over the financials. Mark and Rosalind make the estate prosperous. Mark and Rosalind's daughter Rachel are killed by pirates, and Rosalind makes it her mission to destroy all pirates. She also enters a legal and moral fight against Judge Thomas Broadnax. Her house is named Rosalind’s Revenge. She dies crossing the river during a storm.

1773-1811 Voyage 6 and Three Patriots. Simon Steed (Catholic), Levin Paxmore (Quaker), and Teach Turlock (marshes) are put on trial by the greedy Rector of Wrentham for refusing to pay required fees.

The rector wins, but this turns the tide towards rebellion. Simon decides he needs a fast sloop with cannons as he sees war coming and wants to trade. Paxmore builds the boat but remains a pacifist. England makes things harder for the colonies, leading to war. Turlock wages a private war on England by pirating English vessels. Simon is loyal to England but enraged by what's happening to the colonies. He signs a declaration of loyalty and atrocities committed by England. War comes, and Simon allows Teach to captain his schooner. Teach's son Matt gets his education on the schooner. Simon's wife Jane leaves with their baby during the war. Turlock gets his land back. Simon sails to France to convince merchants to side with the US. Levin's shipyard is burned, but a slave helps him save his newest vessel. His wife argues against slavery, and he testifies against it. France joins the war, and America wins. George Washington becomes President.

1811-1822 Voyage 7 and The Duel. Captain Matthew Turlock engages in battle multiple times with Captain Trevor Gatch, losing early battles and his ship and hand.

He gets a new boat and turns to the slave trade when other options seem unavailable. Penny Steed returns to marry Paul Steed, and Matt proposes to her but is rejected. He finally beats Gatch and sinks his ship.

1822-1832 Voyage 8 and Widow’s Walk. The story begins with the migration and breeding of geese. Lafe Turlock tries to outsmart them.

Susan Steed is bored in her marriage to the weak Paul Steed and has an affair with Matt Turlock. Paul whips his slave Eden and beds her. George Paxmore pleads with Matt to stop the slave trade, but he refuses. There is a fight between Paul and Matt on the Ariel. The Steeds take over the plantation, and Matt sails to Africa for 4 years. Susan is distraught and watches him leave from the widows walk. Paul finds her there, and they fight, causing her to fall from the roof. He soon follows, and both suffer wounds for the rest of their lives.

1833-1837 Voyage 9 and The Slave Breaker. An Arab slave trader, Abu Hassan, convinces African tribesmen to sell their best men and women. Cudjo tries to warn his tribe but is ignored.

His village is taken, and they have a long trek to port. They wait a long time for a slave ship as trade is illegal. The first ship to come is the Ariel, led by Captain Turlock. Cudjo devises a plan to mutiny the ship, and they are eventually captured by a French vessel and then the British. The slaves are put on trial, and most are hanged for mutiny, while the rest are sent to Cuba. Cudjo ends up on a slave trader's boat headed for America.

He is sold to the Steed plantation, where Mrs. Paxmore teaches him to read and do math. When it's discovered he can read, he is sent to the slave breaker, Mr. Cline. He survives a year of hard work, little food, and beatings and is returned to the Steed plantation. He is very skilled mechanically. Paul Steed takes him to the forge, and Eden befriends him when she realizes he can help her escape. Mr. Stanch devises a plan to sell Eden to Mr. Cline, but Paul and Susan grant her freedom and ask her to stay and earn a salary to buy Cudjo's freedom. Mr. Stanch and Uncle Herbert burst in to take Eden, but Paul fires Mr. Stanch and tells Uncle Herbert he is retired. Paul and Susan will run the plantation from now on.

1837-1886 Voyage 10 and The Railroad. Bartley Paxmore falls in love with Rachel Starbuck and goes to ask for her hand in marriage. While staying at her family's farm, a runaway slave shows up.

The sheriff and slave catcher come, but the Starbucks deny seeing the slave. The Quakers are split on how to fight slavery. Some want to fight the legal system, while others want to help slaves escape. The Railroad refers to both a literal railroad and the Underground Railroad. Paul Steed, a wealthy plantation owner, is against the Paxmore's when it comes to slavery. He writes letters supporting slavery and tries to unite the peninsula and bring a railroad to the south. The politicians discuss slavery instead of the riparian. They pass a law allowing slave owners to retrieve runaway slaves. Paul brings in hundreds of starving Irish families to build the railroad, which never comes to the peninsula. The Paxmore's help many slaves escape to freedom. War breaks out between the North and the South, and many plantation owners support the South and go to fight. The slaves/free blacks fight for the Union. Lincoln frees all southern slaves, but Maryland can keep theirs. Many people die in the war, leaving fewer slaves with less value.

1886-1938 Voyage 11 and The Watermen. In 1886, a hurricane destroys the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, killing oysters, fish, crabs, and people.

Tim Caveny buys the first Labrador, and he and Jake Turlock feud over their hunting dogs. They work together to buy a large gun and hunt ducks at night to sell to a hotel. They commission Paxmore to build a new skipjack. Cudjo's son Big Jimbo is the ship's cook. They Shanghai people from a bar in Baltimore and don't pay them. They capture a German named Otto, who runs off with Nancy Turlock. The Virginians illegally use propeller boats to dredge the Chesapeake and try to push out the Maryland watermen. Tim mounts the duck hunting guns to the Jessie T and takes out the Sinbad. They have a half black creek and get a newer style skipjack. Big Jimbo buys the Jessie T and is a black boat captain with a black crew. Emily Paxmore protects an amendment rescinding the rights of blacks to vote. The amendment does not pass. Tim and Jake continue dredging and shipping fruit with their dogs into their 60's.

1938-1976 Voyage 12 and Ordeal by Fire. Woolman Paxmore, a Quaker, goes to Germany to reason with Hitler to release the Jews. He pays a ransom to free 40,000 Jews, but only 25,000 find asylum.

The chapter jumps between Jeb Cater and Amos Turlock. A book is written about the history of Patamoke but makes no mention of black people. Jeb's wife Julia works in a cannery gutting crabs. The AME church has a rally. A dentist pulls all of Julia's teeth. The Bay Bridge is set to be built, but the Eastern Shore people don't want it. The blacks want it for jobs, but white workers are bussed in. Jeb's daughter Luta Mae burns down the employment office. Hiram joins the marines and goes to Korea. Eden Cater's memoir is published. During a rally, Hiram starts a riot, and they burn down the old schoolhouse and then the church. The fire spreads and burns down the Paxmore boathouse. Hiram flees before being arrested.

Amos Turlock tries to hold onto his illegal long gun. His brother-in-law Hugo Pflaum wants to recover it. John Turlock starts a real estate business. The Turlocks fill in their marsh land to build waterfront houses, destroying the ecosystem. The Paxmore's build a seaplane.

For the Steeds, Devon Island is eroding. One Steed stops planting tomatoes and moves to corn, changing the planting method and using mechanical harvesting. This brings back the geese.

1976-1978 Voyage 13 and Refuge. Pusey Paxmore serves 2 years in federal prison for the Watergate scandal. Amanda Paxmore retrieves him.

Owen Steed returns to Patamoke and buys a plantation on the refuge. Devon Island is deserted, and Rosalind's Revenge is falling down. After 6 months, the Steeds visit Owen Paxmore to apologize. There is a boat race between Virginia and Maryland. The Eden is put back into service. Ethel Steed helps the osprey with their nests. There are issues with litter and water pollution. Pusey Paxmore kills himself in Owen Steed's hunting blind.

1978 Voyage 14. Amanda Paxmore travels by boat with Amos Turlock and Caveny to take her husband's casket to the gravesite. A hurricane hits when she returns to the refuge. In the morning, they see that the hurricane has wiped Devon Island from existence.

I am a relatively new resident of Fredericksburg, Va in the mid-Atlantic region.

I have truly relished reading this historical, geographical, and environmental fiction. One of my favorite pastimes is to explore the watery lands located just southeast of where I live, which is the Tidewater area. This area is the birthplace of many of our early leaders, such as Washington, Madison, Monroe, the Lees, and the Harrisons.

The book "Chesapeake" has not only expanded my territory but also deepened my understanding of the history. It has opened up a whole new world for me to discover and learn. I am completely in love with it!

I can't wait to continue my exploration and gain more knowledge about this fascinating region through reading and personal experiences.

In his fictional history of Chesapeake Bay, James Michener takes you on an extraordinary journey. He transports you to the top of a large building, where you can witness the magnificent pageant of centuries unfold like a grand parade beneath your gaze.

Although you can observe the minute details of individuals as they pass by, your vantage point predisposes you to perceive the broad sweep of history over the centuries. It is an astonishing amalgamation of various characters, including crooks and colonels, priests and pirates, fishermen and floozies, merchants and mechanics. The natural history of Chesapeake Bay serves as the backdrop for this entire spectacle.

I am truly amazed by the extensive research and meticulous detail contained within this epic work, which spans a remarkable 1,083 pages! However, the facts are never presented in an overt manner. Instead, they are seamlessly integrated as part of the intricate web of life woven within the history of three founding families. Their diverse backgrounds and idiosyncrasies are fated to intertwine as the generations progress, and the narrative is a delight for all armchair adventurers.

When I closed the book, I was filled with a profound sense of awe. Michener has brought forth a vivid understanding that individuals are not only the product of those who have preceded them but also the predictors of what lies ahead. Each person occupies only a small and fleeting role in history, yet one life can have a profound impact on the entire sweep of a generation.

What if the first English settler had chosen to marry the lovely Indian princess instead of waiting for his proper English wife to arrive by boat years later? How would the Quaker family line have been affected if the patriarch had yielded to the pressure to build boats for the purpose of slave trading?

Momentous decisions confront every generation, yet seldom are the individuals involved aware of the truth that their choices are not insignificant. They have a profound and lasting effect on posterity. My glimpse into the Chesapeake saga has been truly encouraging because it ultimately affirms that life matters. And by extension, it also means that my life matters too.