PHIPPSBURG — Local author John W. Bradford has written a book about the reconstruction of the 1607 Popham Colony’s Pinnace Virginia.

The goal of the project was to keep the ship as historically accurate as today’s licensing procedures allow and to give visitors a taste of what life and work at sea was like 400 years ago.

Combining knowledge of the colony with surviving English shipbuilding documentation, Bradford’s book features an in-context design for reconstructing Virginia for anyone interested in the history and skills that made it happen.

“This book presents serious research into shipbuilding methods of the early 17th century. It’s well-written, well-illustrated, and meticulously researched. … Not only were those colonists highly resourceful, their shipbuilding methods were technologically impressive,” said Jonathan Eaton, formerly of International Marine Publishing.

Bradford has a lifelong interest in early Maine history and the Popham Colony in particular. He has participated in its archaeology since 1997. His research into England’s shipbuilding methods began in 1999 as vessel chairman for Virginia Project Inc.

“The 1607 Popham Colony’s Pinnace Virginia: An In-Context Design of Maine’s First Ship,” published by Maine Authors Publishing of Rockland, is available at Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine Historical Society in Portland, BlueJacket Shipcrafters in Searsport and Bowdoin College’s bookstore.