3 books found
“A jolly read.”—The Wall Street Journal The tenth installment in The Flashman Papers finds Captain Harry Flashman of Her Majesty's Secret Service in the antebellum South, where the irrepressible, globe-trotting Victorian becomes the target of blackmailing beauties. Evading danger, bedding women, and profiting from every opportunity, Flashman once again weasels his way into history, this time in John Brown’s raid of Harper’s Ferry, just before the Civil War. As a result of Flashy’s letching, lying, cheating, and stealing on land, on sea, and on the rails, not only did John Brown become a martyr, Lincoln became president, and the nation plunged into a bloodbath.
by George S. McWatters
1871
In 'The Entailed Hat; Or, Patty Cannon's Times,' George Alfred Townsend crafts a captivating historical narrative that delves into the complex dynamics of 19th-century American society, focusing particularly on the notorious figure of Patty Cannon, a woman embroiled in the dark underbelly of human trafficking and crime. Townsend employs a vivid, immersive style marked by rich descriptions and a keen attention to the social and cultural mores of the era, encapsulating the tensions of life on the fringes of respectability while blurring the lines between morality and survival. This novel not only serves as a historical exploration but also as a psychological portrait, offering readers a window into the motivations and tribulations of its characters against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in American history. George Alfred Townsend, a journalist and writer with a penchant for exploring America's darker narratives, draws on his extensive knowledge of both historical and contemporary social issues in crafting this tale. His experiences reporting on various subjects undoubtedly influenced his portrayal of Patty Cannon's life and the surrounding societal conditions. Townsend'Äôs commitment to social realism and his endeavor to provide voice to marginalized figures propel this work, allowing readers to gain insight into personal struggles within a broader cultural narrative. 'The Entailed Hat' is a must-read for those interested in American history, literature, and the complexities of human morality. Townsend's meticulous detail and engaging storytelling invite readers to immerse themselves in a world where crime, devotion, and desperation intertwine. This novel is both an entertaining and thought-provoking examination of personal and societal confrontation with the darker sides of humanity.