New Releases by Thomas Fleming

Reprint of the original, first published in 1881.

Thomas Fleming Day''s ''Hints to Young Yacht Skippers'' is a comprehensive guide that serves as a valuable resource for novice sailors looking to navigate the waters with confidence. Written in a concise and practical manner, this book covers essential topics such as boat handling, navigation, weather patterns, and safety precautions, making it an indispensable tool for aspiring yacht skippers. Day''s clear and insightful writing style not only educates readers on the technical aspects of sailing but also instills a sense of passion for the sea and respect for the art of seamanship. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, this book captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that characterized the golden age of yachting, providing readers with a glimpse into a bygone era of maritime exploration and leisure. Thomas Fleming Day, a seasoned yachtsman and writer, draws upon his extensive experience at sea to offer practical advice and invaluable insights to readers pursuing their passion for sailing. His expertise in the field, coupled with his passion for yachting, shines through in every page of this well-crafted guide, making it a must-read for anyone with a love for the open water.

On Yacht Sailing is a book by Thomas Fleming Day. This edition provides a simple treatise for beginners concerning the art of handling small yachts and boats.

Thomas Fleming Day''s ''Songs of Sea and Sail'' is a collection of maritime poems that beautifully capture the essence of the sea and the adventures of sailors. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Day transports the reader to the deck of a ship, allowing them to feel the spray of the ocean and hear the creaking of the sails. Written in a lyrical and evocative style, these poems showcase Day''s deep connection to the sea and his admiration for the life of a sailor. ''Songs of Sea and Sail'' is a testament to Day''s mastery of poetic language and his ability to vividly depict the beauty and danger of the maritime world. This collection is a must-read for anyone with a love for the sea and a passion for poetry.

Thomas Fleming is best known as a historian of the American Revolution and a biographer of America''s founding fathers. But, as the following collection shows, this award-winning writer, whose career spanned more than fifty years, also explored with equal passion and curiosity the history of other, later eras. Spanning the generations from the beginnings of the United States to modern times, these chronicles explore events and decisions that continue to have an impact the nation to this day - from the battles of Jefferson and Hamilton and trials of Aaron Burr and John Brown to the sinking of the Maine and John Kennedy at war to the high cost of unconditional surrender in World War II and what America''s presidents say about each other.

All school children know the story of the fatal duel between Hamilton and Burr - but do they really? In this remarkable retelling, Thomas Fleming takes the reader into the post-revolutionary world of 1804, a chaotic and fragile time in the young country as well as a time of tremendous global instability. The success of the French Revolution and the proclamation of Napoleon as First Consul for Life had enormous impact on men like Hamilton and Burr, feeding their own political fantasies at a time of perceived Federal government weakness and corrosion. Their hunger for fame spawned antagonisms that wreaked havoc on themselves and their families and threatened to destabilize the fragile young American republic. From that poisonous brew came the tangle of regret and anger and ambition that drove the two to their murderous confrontation in Weehawken, New Jersey. Readers will find this is popular narrative history at its most authoritative, and authoritative history at its most readable.

Few writers have told the story of the American Revolution with more grace, clarity, or emotional power than New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming. Here, collected for the first time and posthumously, are Fleming''s favorite works. He takes us back to the days of the founders, detailing the surprising facts of American life in 1776, including its resemblance to today. He tells the seldom-told tale of the Loyalists, supporters of England who acted on their political convictions with impressive courage during the Revolution, and reveals little-known facets of men ranging from Franklin to Lafayette, Howe to Washington. He concludes with the Constitutional Convention of 1787 when fifty-five men from twelve virtually autonomous states came to Philadelphia in a brave - some thought foolhardy - attempt to replace a loose and fragile confederation with a strong national government. Their astonishing achievement became a standard of enlightenment the world over.

It was not just his wealth that made Frank Hague unique - it was the totality of his power and the ferocity with which he exercised it. For thirty years, he reigned as mayor of Jersey City and ruler of New Jersey. Here, in this short-form book by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is the little-told story of one of the most powerful political bosses in American history.

Once the South was beaten, Eastern and Western troops of the Union army resented each other so violently that some feared for the survival of the victorious government. Then the tension disappeared in one happy stroke that gave the United States its grandest pageant - and General William Tecumseh Sherman the proudest moment of his life. Here, in this short-form book by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is the little-told story 1865''s Grand Review.

Here, in this short-form book by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is the gripping - and all too timely - account of the great stock market crash of 1929.

Without George Washington''s brilliance at espionage, writes New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming, the American Revolution could not have been won. Here''s the little-told story of America''s spymaster-in-chief.

1865. The Civil War is over, and the South lies in ruins. But for some people, former slaveholders have not been punished enough. A cabal of powerful men, led by Charles A. Dana, the assistant secretary of war, plot to break the spirit of the South once and for all - by convicting General Robert E. Lee of treason and hanging him like a common criminal. To this end, they have convened a secret military tribunal in Lee''s former home in Arlington, Virginia. Jeremiah O''Brien of the New-York Tribune, a long-time protégé of Dana''s, is the only reporter allowed to attend the trial. His exclusive reports on this momentous event, and the book he intends to write, will surely make his fortune. Yet as the trial proceeds, pitting the general against his accusers, O''Brien finds himself torn between his loyalty to Dana, his love for a Confederate spy, and his growing respect and compassion for Lee himself. The young reporter is supposed to be only an observer, but, in the end, it is O''Brien who must evaluate the evidence and determine the true meaning of honor. Written by New York Times bestselling author and historian Thomas Fleming, The Secret Trial of Robert E. Lee brings to life a fascinating chapter in American history that might well have happened - and perhaps truly did.

Defeated by Americans at Saratoga, British General John Burgoyne''s troops faced nearly five years of enforced exile in a hostile countryside. Here, in this short-form book by New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming, is the dramatic story of Burgoyne and his wandering soldiers.

They called themselves Loyalists. The rebels called them Tories. This derogatory term had previously been reserved for the supporters of the predominantly Catholic line of Stuart kings, whose reign ended in England''s bloodless revolution of 1688. For well over 100 years, it was the fashion among American historians to accept Thomas Paine''s 1776 declaration that "Every Tory is a coward . . . fear is the foundation of Toryism." But more recent historical research has revealed many New England Loyalists acted on their political convictions with impressive courage during the American Revolution. Here, in this short-form book by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is their story.

Even his abolitionist allies thought his attack on Harpers Ferry insane, but, as this short-form book by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming points out, John Brown sensed that his trial and death would ignite the nation''s conscience.

When Sir William Howe, commander-in-chief of the British Army in America, and his brother, Admiral Richard Howe, cornered General George Washington’s army on Manhattan Island, they politely asked the Americans if they wanted to surrender. The British gave the Americans two weeks to think it over, time Washington used to strengthen his troops for another round of fighting. Here, in this short-form book by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is the surprising story of how William and Richard Howe guaranteed British defeat and American independence by choosing peacemaking over bloodletting.

A biography of the surveyor, militia major, and aide to the British General Braddock, who became leader of the American forces during the Revolution and first President of the new nation.

Engulfed in the tremendous struggle to prevent the Civil War from dividing the Union between North and South, Abraham Lincoln was equally determined to prevent the seeds of separation from ever appearing in the vast American West. Between the Mississippi River Valley and California lay a 2,000-mile emptiness known as "the Great American Desert." Lincoln was determined to bridge this unknown expanse and bind the West to the East with the same iron rails that had already done so much to link the Midwest and the Northeast. Here, in this essay, New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming tells the dramatic story of the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and Lincoln''s little-told role in it.

Sally Fairfax stole George Washington''s heart long before he met Martha. Here, in this essay by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is their love story.

"The best spy novel written about the American Revolution." - John Gardner Freezing winds cut across the snowbound landscape. George Washington''s rebel troops shiver in their huts, bellies empty, and carrying resentment sharper than their swords. Across the frozen Hudson, the British carouse in the brothels of New York, while their leaders plot to break the deadlock that threatens to bleed the British Empire dry. Thomas Flemings''s Revolutionary War masterpiece, Dreams of Glory, takes place in the bitter winter of 1780 in the fifth year of the American War for Independence. The British conspire to kidnap Washington and bring the war to an end in one bold and daring raid. A tide of espionage ebbs and flows between the opposing armies. Two very different men are sucked into these vicious currents: young, earnest Caleb Chandler and sleek, self-serving Congressman Hugh Stapleton. Despite their mutual dislike, both are destined to follow the same path, which leads to the heart of Flora Kuyper and the grasp of British spymaster Walter Beckford. Caught amidst the dangerous affections of Flora, the machinations of Beckford, and the bitter patriotism of counterpart Benjamin Stallworth, there is no safety for man or woman. This is a world of plot and counterplot, where a night of love can lead to an act of treason and a man''s ideals can fashion a noose around his neck. "Thomas Fleming is one of my favorite writers because he combines powerful storytelling with the skills of a superb historian." - John Jakes

A sweeping and insightful grand strategic overview of the American Revolution, highlighting Washington''s role in orchestrating victory and creating the US Army Led by the Continental Congress, the Americans almost lost the war for independence because their military thinking was badly muddled. Following the victory in 1775 at Bunker Hill, patriot leaders were convinced that the key to victory was the home-grown militia -- local men defending their families and homes. But the flush of early victory soon turned into a bitter reality as the British routed Americans fleeing New York. General George Washington knew that having and maintaining an army of professional soldiers was the only way to win independence. As he fought bitterly with the leaders in Congress over the creation of a regular army, he patiently waited until his new army was ready for pitched battle. His first opportunity came late in 1776, following his surprise crossing of the Delaware River. In New Jersey, the strategy of victory was about to unfold. In The Strategy of Victory, preeminent historian Thomas Fleming examines the battles that created American independence, revealing how the creation of a professional army worked on the battlefield to secure victory, independence, and a lasting peace for the young nation.

"I have not sought or desired this new ministry," Pope John XXIII once wrote. For Matthew Mahan, the knowledge that he could say the same made his selection by John''s successor as one of five new American Cardinals the ultimate triumph in a life dedicated to the Catholic Church. But that triumph soon becomes painfully hollow in this moving novel. A born politician, Mahan rose in the Church with unquestioning belief in its doctrines. But the Vatican Council made him begin to doubt his faith. These doubts torment him as he tries to deal with priests and laymen who demand change in the Church''s teaching on birth control, divorce, and clerical celibacy, while conservative churchmen urge blind support of Rome''s uncompromising stand on these issues. As it examines and exposes the inner workings of the Catholic Church, The Good Shepherd, by New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming, is the extraordinary story of a man of God coping in the world of men.

On February 15, 1898 the Maine, an American battleship in Havana Harbor, blew up. It was no accident. The event led to the Spanish-American War, but the Spanish were not to blame. Here New York Times bestselling historian and novelist Thomas Fleming investigates who really sank the ship.

On April 19, 1775, thirty-eight Americans formed two uneven lines on the wet grass of the two-acre common in Lexington, Massachusetts. They were summoned by the rolling beat of sixteen-year-old William Diamond''s brightly painted drum. The order to sound the call to arms had been given by Lexington''s militia captain, John Parker. A British column had been reported just fifteen minutes away. This is one of the vivid scenes New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming sets in First Stroke, his award-winning history of the opening days of the American Revolution, beginning with the Boston Tea Party.

It is a curious historical anomaly that the United States, for generations the greatest steel producer on the planet, the nation that invented the airplane and a staggering array of other technological marvels, never managed to design and build a good tank before the MIA1 Abrams of the 1991 Gulf War. The history of tanks has seldom attracted the attention it deserves, New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming argues in this essay. Here is the overlooked and fascinating story of America''s tanks.

What were the French up to in the Ohio Valley in 1753? Setting out in search of an answer, a bold young major from Virginia named George Washington soon found himself skirting catastrophe, writes New York Times bestselling author and historian Thomas Fleming.

Seventy-year-old Benjamin Franklin charmed Paris and pulled off a diplomatic miracle that led to the British defeat in the American Revolution. Here, in this essay from New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming is the little-told story.

During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln often learned the results and tolls of battles from reporters, not generals. The newsmen of the time were courageous and dedicated, but the best of them was Henry Wing - at least that was Lincoln''s opinion. Wing never used his position as the president''s favorite reporter to gain access to confidential information. Instead, he became Lincoln''s junior partner in the struggle to win America''s bloodiest war. Here, in this essay by New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is his surprising story.

In 1902, America found itself fighting a war in the Philippines - a dirty, vicious guerrilla affair rife with assassinations and ambushes. To its astonishment, the United States was forced to commit 120,000 men - two-thirds of its armed forces - to calm the country. Here, in this essay by New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming, is the dramatic story of what became known as General John J. Pershing''s war.

General William Howe had a reputation as a bold, resourceful commander. Yet in battle after battle, he had George Washington beaten - and failed to pursue the advantage. Was "Sir Billy" all glitter and no gold? Or was he actually in sympathy with the rebellion? Here, in this short-form book by New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming are the answers.