Saturday Snippet: One of the legends of the Victorian era

  Following last Saturday’s look at Jingoism and the poetry of Sir Henry Newbolt, I’ve had several requests from readers for more from that period.  I’m happy to oblige. Alfred, Lord Tennyson was one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era and the entire 19th century.  He was Poet Laureate of Britain for most… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: One of the legends of the Victorian era

Saturday Snippet: By Jingo, we’ll do it!

  The term “Jingoism” has become an epithet for hard-line, extreme nationalism, and as such has fallen out of favor.  However, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was common among all levels of British society, and was the philosophy that informed much of the British Imperial system and its colonies.  (America had its… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: By Jingo, we’ll do it!

Saturday Snippet: From Pacific Springs to Salt Lake City by river during the Gold Rush

  Those who’ve read my latest book, “Wood, Iron and Blood“, will remember its description of the California Trail, taken by many emigrants from the eastern states to California and Oregon in the 1840’s and 1850’s.  I read many accounts of the crossing while preparing to write that book. One of the more interesting travelogs… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: From Pacific Springs to Salt Lake City by river during the Gold Rush

Saturday Snippet: The legacy of a Roman legion transported to a strange world

  Marc Alan Edelheit has become a well-known fantasy author, basing much of his work on the history of the legions of Rome, but in a fantasy setting that incorporates much traditional mythology such as orcs, dwarfs, elves and dragons.  He does it better than most such attempts, and I’ve found myself reading and re-reading… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: The legacy of a Roman legion transported to a strange world

Saturday Snippet: Life and death on the California Trail

  I’ve got a treat for fans of Western novels in general, and of my Ames Archives series in particular.  It’s the first in what I hope will be a new Western series, not replacing the Ames stories but augmenting them.  It will add a new, earlier, far-West dimension to my novels of the Old… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: Life and death on the California Trail

Saturday Books and Snippet

  Some good news this morning.  My latest Western novel, fifth in the Ames Archives series, “Silver In The Stones”, is almost ready for publication.  It should come out later this month. A tip o’ the hat to friend, and fellow author and blogger, Alma Boykin for suggesting the title.  I’ve been battling to find… Continue reading Saturday Books and Snippet

It’s alive!

  My wife’s latest novel in her “Combined Operations” series (currently a trilogy, but it may expand as inspiration strikes her) has just been published.  It’s titled “A Perfect Day, With Explosions“. The blurb reads: Jenna Brooks is a welder, and a fashionista whenever she can afford it. AJ is a former Special Forces spacer,… Continue reading It’s alive!

Saturday Snippet: Running the Union blockade of Confederate ports

  During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the primary task of the Union Navy was to blockade the coast and ports of the Confederate States of America.  The CSA had to import almost all its munitions of war, and to pay for them, had to export cotton and other commodities.  Because of the immense need,… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: Running the Union blockade of Confederate ports

Saturday Snippet: Escaping from Thailand’s toughest prison

  David McMillan is a self-confessed drug smuggler, convict and rogue, now retired (?) from a life of crime.  He’s written a book, “Unforgiving Destiny: The Relentless Pursuit of a Black-Marketeer“, about his life and experiences. It’s a very interesting read for those interested in the underbelly of our society.  He’s quite unrepentant about his… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: Escaping from Thailand’s toughest prison

Saturday Snippet: Tactically correct love in a combat zone!

  My wife’s latest novel, “Blood, Oil and Love“, has just been published. It’s the second in a trilogy that began last year with “Going Ballistic“, and will conclude with the publication next month of the third and final book. I’m really proud of her.  Her first two books, “Scaling the Rim” and “Shattered Under… Continue reading Saturday Snippet: Tactically correct love in a combat zone!