Civil War Era

2011-08-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Just returned from a ten day book tour. It was great. I gave Civil War presentations to Rotary, Kiwanis and Optimist clubs; over 15 of them. They were all most welcoming folks who, by the way bought a ton of books. The biggest seller was my latest historical novel The Lincoln Assassination: Who Helped John Wilkes Booth Kill Lincoln. Given a choice, all but one audience wanted me to talk about the various conspiracy theories surrounding the murder of President Lincoln. By the way, if you choose to buy a copy of The Lincoln Assassination book, I will send you the Link to obtain a free e book copy of the first in the series Duty and Honor. Order at http://www.civilwarnovels.com/ if you wish. Take care. Dr. Michael J. Deeb

The Lincoln Assassination book tour - April 2011

2011-03-11T04:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

The April book tour to Michigan has been completed. Starting the evening of April 12th I will introuduce the fourth novel in the Drieborg Chronicles, The Lincoln Conspiracy, at the Lowell, Michigan library. The next day will see a presentation at Aquinas College followed by an evening presentation at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Thursdayand Friday will see me addressing service clubs in the eastern part of the state followed by a Saturday signing in Lapeer at the Lapeer Book Shelf store. I'll give presentations on Monday and Tuesday at Rotary, Lion and Kiwanis clubs as well. Phew!

I have already mailed up sixty some books to MI and will have fifty of The Lincoln Assassination sent ahead as well. Check out my web site for the schedule as you are invited to attend any of those listed. Dr. Michael J. Deeb www.civilwarnovels.com

The Lincoln Conspiracy Report

2010-12-20T04:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

My self imposed deadline for the completion of The Lincoln Conspiracy has been met. I finished the final draft by December 31, 2010. Feels great!

One of the first steps then was to have my Lincoln scholar friend check it for historical accuracy. Done! He suggested several changes. done!

My proofing people went over the text to look for spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes. Done. Corrections are in progress as I write this.

A cover must be developed. In Progress as I write this. Phew!

As I go through the manuscript correcting what was identified by the proofer, I am tempted to change things in the text, too. I resist the impulse.

I did add short biographical sketches for each of the main characters. It just seemed to me that readers would be interested in what happened to each of them in real life.

For this novel I added a bibliography as well.

So, now you know where I am. Oh, by the way; I changed the name of the novel to The Lincoln Assassination. But I am open for suggestions for a book cover. Don't hesitate if you have an idea. Take care and God Bless. Mike www.civilwarnovels.com

David Hardin After the War: The Lives and Images of Major Civil War Figures After the Shooting Stopped

2010-10-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Those of us who grew up in the age of early television sometimes wonder whatever happened to this or that character. Often, a television program will feature 'grown up' child actors or 'older' adults who were our program favorites at one time.

But, whatever happened to some of the major figures that flashed across the Civil War screen? Post war stories of General Robert E. Lee, General Ulysses S. Grant, and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln are rather familiar. In addition, our author, David Harden, has favored the reader with several personalities who have not been as well known. And, here in lies the enjoyment for the reader.

An off-hand remark by General Gordon would label, some say doom, Winnie Davis as the 'Daughter of the Confederacy'. And, who would become friends after their husbands passed away, Julia Grant and Varnia Davis. Libbie Custer's campaign on behalf of her husband's memory is well told and interesting, too.

Read the whole review by clicking here.

Bernard Cornwell The Fort: A Novel of the Revolutionary War

2010-10-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

In the historical novel, The Fort, Bernard Cornwall brings the reader another tale of the American Revolution. Like the first historical novel, Rebel, it is set in the New England colonies, this time in eastern Massachusetts. The British needed a site to which Loyalists could seek sanctuary and where their navy could have a safe harbor. They chose Majabigtwaduce, a small settlement in the eastern part of Massachusetts.

Outraged, the leaders in Massachusetts determined to drive the British out. Toward that end they pulled together a fleet of over 40 vessels under the command of Commodore Dudley Saltonstall. With him, they also sent almost one thousand militia under the command of Major General Solomon Lovell. Upon the arrival of this expedition in Majabigtwaduce, they found a much smaller British force.

Click here to read the whole review.

Robert Brookover's Novel - Wish Is My Master: The Honor of Love

2010-10-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

The first of a four-novel series, this opening story is set in pre-Civil War rural Georgia. Teenager George Yardley learns the life of a small farmer and leather worker from his father. Orphaned when his parents die in an epidemic, he moves to his aunt's home in nearby Atlanta.

There he meets Amy Frey of Atlanta. She is the beautiful daughter of a very rich commodity broker, Alexander Frey. He is a confidant of Jefferson Davis, Alexander Stephens and Robert Toombs.

Read the whole review.

My Interview With David Kentner

2010-09-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a great interview I recently did with David Kentner from JournalStandard.com.

Dr. Deeb has the ability to do just that – to captivate the reader in the period, the character, as well as the events, and the consistent reviews his work receives only serve to verify it.

His attention to detail and skillful portrayal of life have been recognized in that he now also writes book reviews for The Civil War News and New York Journal of Books.

Read the whole interview.

Review of Nathaniel Philbrick's Novel The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and The Battle of the Little Bighorn

2010-09-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

As every schoolboy knows, George Armstrong Custer and 230 men of his beloved 7th Cavalry were massacred on June 25th 1876, by Indians led by Chief Sitting Bull at the battle of the Little Bighorn.

Much has been written of this battle and the men involved. Custer's widow, Libby devoted the remainder of her life to assuring her husband's enshrinement as a hero. Buffalo Bill Cody immortalized Custer and Sitting Bull in his traveling Wild West show when he ended each performance with a reenactment of the 'Last Stand'.

Nathaniel Philbrick's complete presentation of his exhaustive research attempts to bring the reader to a clear understanding of the forces involved in this tragedy. He goes far beyond a focus on one or two of those involved. Instead, we are made to realize that the actions of Custer, Sitting Bull and the other personalities involved, were more influenced by the pressures of their time and place than by their own personalities.

Read the rest of this review at: www.civilwarnovels.com/reviews/.

The Grand Design: Strategy and the U.S. Civil War A Novel by Donald Stoker

2010-09-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Of the thousands of books written about the conduct of the American Civil War, precious few have devoted any space explaining how each side sought to achieve its political objectives: the strategy employed to win the conflict. Donald Stoker devotes this study to fill that gap.

When a war breaks out, leaders of the belligerent powers must identify the political objective they desire: the why of the conflict. Once this is done, the stage is set to develop a grand strategy for success: a formula for achieving that political objective. This is followed by the identification of the specific military tactics needed to achieve that victory.

Early in his work, Stoker points out that the leaders in the American Civil War did identify their overall political objective for going to war; and did so very quickly. The majority of the people living in seven of the slave-holding states wanted to leave the United States in order to from a new political entity; they were joined by four additional slave states after Lincoln called for troops to suppress the 'rebellion'. Once Fort Sumter was fired upon, the majority of the people living in the non-slave holding United States opposed secession and supported Lincoln's desire to restore the anti-bellum union.

Read more at www.civilwarnovels.com/reviews/.

Review of For All The Tea in China A Civil War Novel by Sarah Rose

2010-09-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Sara Rose begins her story "For All the Tea in China", this way. "There was a time when maps of the world were redrawn in the name of plants, when two empires, Britain and China went to war over two flowers: the poppy and the camellia." Could this actually have been the case? Were tea and opium of such great importance? Let us examine her case.

Centuries past, England's Queen Elizabeth gave the East India Company a monopoly of all British trade in the Far East. That included the control of India and all things produced there, like opium. For two hundred years thereafter the Company exported this addictive product from India to China. The Chinese, who had an almost complete monopoly on the production and processing of tea, exchanged this mild stimulant for the addictive opium: so history records.

Read more at: civilwarnovels.com/reviews/.

Larry Elliot Channel 12 Interview with Mike Deeb

2010-09-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of the interview I had with Larry Elliot of Flint's channel 12 during my latest speaking tour through Michigan.

Review of Blue-Eyed Devil A Civil War Novel by Robert B. Parker

2010-09-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

"Blue-Eyed Devil", is the fourth novel in Robert Parker's Cole/Hitch series.

Virgil Cole and his sidekick Everett Hitch have returned to the small dusty town of Appaloosa. An ambitious fellow named Amos Callico has taken their former position of police chief in this isolated town. But, the new police chief is selective in responding when local saloons needed protection from area cowboys who drink a bit too much and overzealous customers who abuse ladies of the evening.

So, these local businessmen greet Virgil and Everett with a proposal.

"All of us got the same problem," Speck said. "And we thought you boys might be able to help us."

It seemed that the chief of police charges a monthly 'safeguard - fee' of each Appaloosa businessman. But, they complained, payment does not guarantee protection.

Read more of this Civil War Novel book review at www.civilwarnovels.com/reviews/.

Review of All Other Nights A Civil War Novel by Dana Horn

2010-08-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Dara Horn has written a novel set in the Civil War. We are given a view of the Jewish community of that time through well developed characters who are pulled and pushed by the conflict.

We meet Jacob Rappaport, our protagonist, at his father's New York city dinner table. Jacob has just reluctantly agreed to his father's demand that he marry the addled daughter of a rival businessman in order to cement a business deal. Jacob escapes by joining the Union army.

Jacob's superiors pull him out of the ranks and send him on an undercover assignment to New Orleans. Posing as a Confederate soldier, he is to find his way to the home of his uncle, Harry Hyams. It appears that there was sufficient evidence to prove that Mr. Hyams was planning an attempt on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Jacob's is welcomed there by his aunt and uncle.

Read more of this review at www.civilwarnovels.com/reviews/.

Book Review of Lincoln and McClellan: The Troubled Partnership Between a President and His General by John C. Waugh

2010-08-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Waugh's "Lincoln and McClellan" promised to be a study of their relationship that broke new ground. By extensively using McClellan's letters to his wife Nelly, I believe it accomplished what it set out to do.

The reader is also treated to a glimpse of the two men working together before the war. In 1857, McClellan was Vice President of the Illinois Central RR and Abraham Lincoln was the line's attorney. It might be said that Lincoln the lawyer, in fact worked for McClellan.

Read more of this book review at www.civilwarnovels.com.

Read more Civil War Novel Book Reviews at http://www.civilwarnovels.com/reviews/.

Review of The Grand Design: Strategy and the U.S. Civil War by Donald Stoker

2010-08-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Book Review of Henry Clay: The Essential American a Civil War Novel by David S. Heidler & Jeanne T. Heidler

2010-08-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

David and Jeanne Heidler have applied their excellent scholarship to a biography of a giant political figure of the pre-Civil War era, Henry Clay. They begin their descriptive journey by leading us carefully through the geography of early Virginia and its western county of Kentucky.

Born there to a prosperous family, Henry Clay became an orphan early in his live. His mother remarried to a kindly man who placed Henry in a retail apprenticeship in the city of Richmond. As soon as a position opened he became a law clerk. As a young lawyer, he moved to Lexington, KY to join his mother new family in 1797. There he successfully became a competent and prosperous attorney. He not only gained the reputation of being an excellent orator and a determined attorney but also that of a gambler and a drinker. Nevertheless, he was able to arrange an advantageous marriage in 1799. Initially it might have been considered a marriage of convenience, but Henry and his wife Lucretia produced ten children and brought position and prosperity to the Clay family. The young family settled in a Lexington home he built and called Ashland. And so it would remain the Clay home for the remainder of his life.

Read more of this book review at www.civilwarnovels.com/reviews/.

Historical Novel Book Reviews

2010-03-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Just in case you haven't noticed, I have completed eight reviews of historical novels and one non-fiction history book. It is great fun. Those of you who are American history enthusiasts should not turn up your nose at fiction. It can be great entertainment as well as historically well founded. You can see my reviews at www.civilwarnovels.com

One I just completed is: "All the Tea in China": by Sara Rose. This is a great non-fiction read about the fight over tea & opium between the two empires of England and China.

Another review is a Civil War era work of fiction: "The First Assassin": by John Miller. This work of fiction tells of an assassination attempt on President Lincoln just after his first inauguration; a compelling and fun read.

I'll tell you about others in future blogs. Dr. Michael J. Deeb

Paintings

2010-02-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

A 'PAINTINGS BY MIKE' page is being added to my website at www.civilwarnovels.com These are paintings both oil and watercolor, that I have 'finished' over the last 20 years. I hope to get back to that enjoyable pastime soon. But, for now, I am completely occupied with writing Civil War era novels, marketing them and preparing for live presentations for my book tours and a new focus, cruise lines.

Civil War Novel sales

2010-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Just received figures showing sales of the trilogy, The Drieborg Chronicles as of 12-31-09.

Duty and Honor,sold 815 copies. Of that number, I personally sold 536 copies, 279 were purchased over the Internet, through book stores and other sources.

The second volume in the trilogy, Duty Accomplished, sold 430 copies. Of that figure, I sold 223 while 207 were sold through the Internet, book stores et al.

The third novel in the trilogy, Honor Restored, has only been out since November but has sold 215 copies total. I don't have the breakdown from the publisher on that one, yet, but I do know that I sold 100 copies minimum during November and December.

I certainly hope that sales continue to mount. You can see photographs of book buyers for each of the three novels at www.civilwarnovels.com Just go to each of the novels in turn and click on the photo array to see them all.

Ohio Rendezvous

2010-01-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone

I've just been told by Vicki of the Rondezvous Ohio folks of a fair to be held in Jackson, Ohio on Jan. 16th & 17th. It is called Sons of Liberty Trade Fair. You can obtain more info from her at either vicki@RendezvousOhio.com or 419 601 2495. Sounds like fun. Dr. Michael J. Deeb www.civilwarnovels.com

The Lincoln Conspiracy

2010-01-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I have found that coming up with believable characters to move a story along is hard work. I have just decided I needed to add a character to Marshal Drieborg's team investigating the killing of President Abraham Lincoln. He will be appointed by one of the Democrates on the Joint Congressional Committee on Reconstruction. (Congressmen tried to create 'balance' on such investigations even back then).

He will be from Cades Cove, TE. From the family of one of the original settlers there, he will have served in the Confederate cavalry, been captured and imprisoned on Johnson's Island. He was one of three prisoners to have escaped that Lake Erie Union prison.

The Lincoln Conspiracy

2010-01-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Starting this Wednesday I will begin to post segments of my new Civil War era novel, The Lincoln Conspiracy. I will do this three times a week. I hope you enjoy this adventure. Mike

Michigan Book Tour

2009-12-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Just prior to Thanksgiving, I completed a 12 day book tour in Michigan. I was there to launch the third novel in the Drieborg Chronicles, Honor Restored.

This novel is set in the early days of Reconstruction. It digs into the postwar socio/economic problems faced by members of Congress, the southern landed aristocracy, freedmen, and the military.

During my trip north, I gave Civil War presentations to 416 people (mostly Rotarians). That included 8 Rotary Clubs, 2 libraries, 2 college presentations, 3 book store signings and a private signing for a Rotary Club fundraiser. All in all, I drove almost 2,000 miles in MI on this tour. The roads were clear for that time of year - the Lord was looking after me.

Pictures have been posted on the Honor Restored page of my website www.civilwarnovels.com.

John Jakes Meeting

2009-10-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Two weeks ago I was the featured speaker at the Sarasota Rotary lunch. I was joined at my table by John Jakes. Yep, the same Jakes who wrote "North and South" and ten or twelve other novels of the Civil War era.

A very pleasant fellow, he told me that after 61 years of writing, he is still doing it. Wow! I have always enjoyed his work. In fact, I have so admired his approach to historical fiction that I have tried to follow his style in my writing. When I have sold the millions of Civil War era books he has, I'll know I succeeded.

Put yourself in my position. At this gathering of Rotarians I am expected to give a presentation dealing with the causes of the Civil War. I am no stranger to public speaking. But in front of John Jakes. I must confess to being a tad nervous. I had chosen to present the arguement that regional economic conflict was a major cause of secession. I half expected John to bellow out something like "This guy is full of nonesense" or something. Nothing of the sort. Mr. Jakes was a gentleman. He allowed me my turn at bat without interruption or contradiction. Thank you John.

War of Northern Agression

2009-10-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

After a recent presentation I was confronted by an elderly lady. She insisted that it was not a war of 'Southern Rebellion'. Instead, she believed the conflict to be a war of 'Northern Aggression'. This was not the first time I had heard this strongly held belief.

Since that event, I came across a 1867 quote from Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon Chase. He was commenting on the capture and imprisonment of Jefferson Davis.

"His capture was a mistake. His trial will be a greater one. We can not convict him of treason."

If you bring these leaders (Confederate) to trial, it will condemn the North; for by the Constitution, secession is not rebellion."

Johnson's Island Prison, Lake Erie

2009-09-24T07:59:00.002-07:00

I am just now finishing up the outline for my fourth civil War era novel, the Lincoln Conspiracy.

Included in this adventure will be a character who was a Confederate officer who was sent to Johnson's Island and was one of those few who escapted. If you have any information about the three officers who did just that, or about the prison I would appreciate it if you would contact me. Mike Deeb www.civilwarnovels.com

Civil War Era Living

2009-08-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was asked why I wrote novels instead of non-fiction.

Since I was a pre-teen, I have read historical non-fiction. The past always held a facination for me.

But most historical non-fiction focuses upon the political and military elements of a people's history. I wanted to find out how people lived, worked, interacted, loved and yes even died. More later.

Civil War Book Tour - July 2009

2009-08-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Michigan July '09 Book Tour

I just returned to my home from a ten day book tour in Michigan. While there I gave Civil War presentations to over 300 people (mostly Rotarians).

One topic that generated a great deal of discussion was the oft heard phrase, The War of Northern Aggression. That generated a lively exchange. Another topic was the 'Tarriff War' of March 1861, and its impact on the rush toward war between the Confederacy and the Union.

During most every question period someone would say that they preferred to believe that the North fought the war to end slavery. It was an interesting exchange. I look foward to my November trip north.

Drieborg Chronicles update - June 09

2009-07-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

Last week I sent in the manuscript for the third in the series, Honor Restored to the publisher. Once I follow-up with three maps, a cover is picked and various proofing issues are resolved, it should be on the way. I expect it to be available in the fall, much like the first two in the series. Internet Marketing As you might have noted, not only do I have this web page, but I have added a blog, a facebook account and lenkedin to my marketing efforts. Check them out. The internet addresses are listed below. Book Tours/Signings The Tampa area presentations are continuing. I talk about the events, attitudes and economics which led to the outbreak of war between the states. After a recent presentation, a lady (four foot ten inches tall, at least) with a walker came to the front of the room and told me in no uncertain terms: "Young man!" she forcefully told me. "It was not a civil war 'a tall. It was 'the war of northern aggression'." "Yes ma'am." She did not buy a book. This July I will be in Michigan from the 18th through the end of the month. I have eight presentations at this point. Included is one at Schuler Books on 28th Street on the evening of July 23rd at 7 PM. Join me early in their cafeteria for something to eat/drink and conversation. In November I will be back in MI on the 13th to introduce the third book in the trilogy. I have another dozen presentations both in the Thumb area and the Grand Rapids area. Included this time are four in the Detroit suburbs. About time I get into that market. --

Website: www.civilwarnovels.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-J-Deeb/1168646976
Blog: http://civilwarnovels.blogspot.com/

Post civil war Edisto Island, SC

2009-03-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

Prior to the civil war, the Edisto Island economy was booming. Sea Island cotton, rice and indigo were excellent cash crops exported around the world. Their production of corn, sweet potatoes & peas along with poultry, pork and beef supported the several hundred free white people and the over five thousand Negro slaves.

Plantation management was one of the essential elements which contributed to this agrarian success. After the war and emancipation, a new relationship between landowner and worker had to be forged. How successfull was this post war effort? I would appreciate any information you have or source you can identify for me.

Welcome to my Civil War Novels BLOG

2009-02-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the blog. Please contact me regarding your interest in Civil War study, and visit my website at http://www.civilwarnovels.com/.