Morcan Books & Films

Those who share our fascination with the First Nations people of North America will surely resonate with THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN JEWITT: The true story that inspired Into the Americas (Illustrated).

It’s one of several books that faithfully duplicates a young English seaman’s diarized account of his years as a captive of Mowachaht warriors in Nootka Sound, Vancouver Island, in the early 1800s.

John Jewitt’s diary was – as our book’s subtitle suggests – the inspiration for one of our bestselling novels, Into the Americas. The diary is a public domain book, so we didn’t hesitate to “borrow” some of Jewitt’s adventures and include them, albeit dramatized, in our novel.

John Jewitt…as pictured in his diary.

Jewitt was one of only two survivors when fierce Mowachahts slaughtered (decapitated) 25 crewmen aboard the brig The Boston. He and his fellow survivor had to endure more than two years as slaves of the First Nations people of Nootka.

Jewitt’s writing seems surprisingly modern, and his observations are insightful and perceptive, which makes for a very easy, interesting read. He clearly resonated with his captors and his written observations of them and their customs really bring the First Nations people of the era alive.

There are several credible versions of John Jewitt’s public domain diary available on Amazon. Whether you read our version or another, no matter. His story is highly recommended!

And for those who prefer fiction, here’s the novel Jewitt’s diary inspired…

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