Fighting Joe; Or The Fortunes of a Staff Officer - A Story of the Great Rebellion

Oliver Optic

Summary

Fighting Joe; Or, The Fortunes of a Staff Officer is a remarkable work by Oliver Optic that intricately explores themes of bravery, honor, and the complexities of military life during the American Civil War. Set against a backdrop of intense conflict and political upheaval, the narrative follows the titular character, a dedicated staff officer, through personal and professional trials that test his resolve and leadership. Optic'Äôs writing employs a vivid, action-driven style, replete with authentic dialogue and detailed battle scenes that bring the historical context to life, making it a significant addition to American youth literature of the era. Oliver Optic, born William Taylor Adams, was an influential figure in 19th-century American literature, known for inspiring young readers with tales of adventure and moral virtue. His own experiences as a teacher and a passionate supporter of the Union cause during the Civil War deeply informed his writing. Optic wrote extensively for young audiences, aiming to shape their values and understanding of duty through engaging narratives that reflected contemporary societal issues and the importance of patriotism. Fighting Joe is highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction that is both educational and entertaining. It serves as an excellent gateway into the realm of Civil War literature, appealing to those who appreciate complex characters and the challenges faced by individuals in times of war. This novel not only captures the spirit of an era but also speaks to the timeless virtues required in the face of adversity.

Available since: 11/15/2023.

Print length: 176 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Girl Brownies The - Ashdown...

Christopher Allen

THE GIRL BROWNIES – ASHDOWN FOREST, ENGLAND 1919
Book 3 of 6 The Secret of the Whispering Woods
The summary of this third book in the series is as follows:
In October 1919, the Brownies—Lulu, Minnie, Lottie, Agatha, Bernadette, and Beryl—embark on a moonlit meteor-watching hike in Ashdown Forest. Their adventure takes a supernatural turn when whispers guide them to a hidden stone circle, where eerie phenomena unfold: cracking monoliths, sentient mist, and ghostly visions. With archaeologist Dr. Eleanor Finch, they uncover the circle's secrets—an ancient Druid observatory using piezoelectric stones and sound channels to create "ghostly" projections.
Deciphering Saxon clues, the girls find buried crown jewels tied to King Harold, while scientific explanations (infrasound, ley lines) blend with local folklore about whispering spirits. Minnie's discovery of a royal artifact proves the stones guarded Harold's lost treasure. Though science explains much, the forest's final whisper—"More secrets await..."—hints at deeper mysteries.
I have worked very hard and meticulously to provide you with an enjoyable experience, the initial opening credit music, “Joyful Journey”, which does run to approximately 2 minutes sets the scene, so to speak, recorder, tambourine,guitar and accordion in a folk/classical and cheerful mood. The closing music, “Bloom”, ends the tale on with more of the same at about 2 minutes and the same musical instruments etc. but more of an ending feel and looking forward to the next story in the series.
The story and music itself runs to just about 14 minutes and is narrated in my wife's voice, Claire, who actually was a ranger guide!
I do hope you enjoy this audiobook and let me know what you think, there are a lot more to come
Christopher Allen - At your service

Show book

Murder in Constantinople

A.E. Goldin

This entertaining historical mystery is the exciting debut novel from London-based musician and screenwriter A.E. Goldin. Thrillingly paced and with an enchanting historical setting, it launches an unforgettable  new hero in a series that provides the nostalgic pleasure of classic Sherlock Holmes. 
 
London, 1854. Tweny-one-year-old Ben Canaan attracts trouble wherever he goes. His father wants him to be a good Jewish son, working for the family business on Whitechapel Road, but Ben and his friends, the 'Good-for-Nothings', just want adventure.Then the chance discovery of an enigmatic letter and a photograph of a beautiful woman bring Ben an adventure more dangerous than anything he'd imagined. Suddenly he is thrown into the heart of a mystery that takes him away from everything he has known and all the way to Constantinople, the jewel of an empire and the center of a world on the brink of war.Ben's only clue is three words: 'The White Death.' Now he must find what links a string of grisly murders, following a trail through kingmaking and conspiracy, poison and high politics, bloodshed and betrayal. In a city of deadly secrets, no one is safe—and one wrong step could cost Ben his life.

Show book

Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë

"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story focuses on the intense and turbulent relationships among the residents of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, particularly highlighting the enigmatic figure of Heathcliff and his connection to Catherine Earnshaw. It explores themes of love, revenge, and the haunting consequences of past actions, all set against the backdrop of the desolate Yorkshire moors. 
At the beginning of "Wuthering Heights," we meet Mr. Lockwood, who has recently rented a property at Thrushcross Grange. He decides to visit his reclusive landlord, Mr. Heathcliff, at Wuthering Heights. Lockwood's encounter with Heathcliff is filled with unease, revealing a hostile atmosphere marked by mistrust and discontent. The narrative then hints at Heathcliff’s complicated past as an orphan taken in by the Earnshaw family, setting the stage for an exploration of social hierarchies and emotional scars, which form the crux of the novel. 
As Lockwood navigates his growing curiosity about these charged family dynamics, he inadvertently becomes entangled in the brooding past that shapes the present lives of the characters, particularly Heathcliff and Catherine.

Show book

The Dartington Bride

Rosemary Griggs

1571, and the beautiful, headstrong daughter of a French Count marries the son of the Vice Admiral of the Fleet of the West in Queen Elizabeth's chapel at Greenwich. It sounds like a marriage made in heaven…
Roberda's father, the Count of Montgomery, is a prominent Huguenot leader in the French Wars of Religion. When her formidable mother follows him into battle, she takes all her children with her.
After a traumatic childhood in war-torn France, Roberda arrives in England full of hope for her wedding. But her ambitious bridegroom, Gawen, has little interest in taking a wife.
Received with suspicion by the servants at her new home, Dartington Hall in Devon, Roberda works hard to prove herself as mistress of the household and to be a good wife. But there are some who will never accept her as a true daughter of Devon.
After the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre, Gawen's father welcomes Roberda's family to Dartington as refugees. Compassionate Roberda is determined to help other French women left destitute by the wars. But her husband does not approve. Their differences will set them on an extraordinary path…

Show book

Kipner's Boon [Chapter 1] -...

Boz

London, a city known for its rich history and bustling streets, is also home to a darker side. Kipner, a former archaeologist turned investigator, has spent years delving into the occult and uncovering the supernatural truths that lie hidden in the shadows. But now, his obsession has taken a dangerous turn. 
As Kipner stares out his office window, his mind racing with the horrors he has witnessed, he knows that he must see it one more time. The cosmic terror that lurks just beyond the city's boundaries calls to him, daring him to bear witness once more. But with each passing day, the line between his visions and reality becomes more blurred, and he knows that time is running out. 
Haunted by his past failures and struggling to maintain his grip on reality, Kipner receives a cryptic telegram from Delven Montgomery III, the man who sparked his obsession with the occult. Montgomery promises a resolution, but at what cost? With the bottle as his only solace and his visions growing stronger, Kipner must make a choice: continue down the path of madness or embark on a journey that could reveal the truth behind his visions. For fans of psychological thrillers and supernatural mysteries, Kipner's Boon will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Don't miss out on this heart-pounding tale of obsession, madness, and the occult. Buy now before the price changes!

Show book

The Story Thief

Kyra Geddes

Her family's story made Henry Lawson famous. But was it his story to tell? 
Fact and fiction meld into one in this stirring family saga set against shifting landscapes and pivotal moments in Australian history. Lillian was born in 1892, the same year Henry Lawson wrote 'The Drover's Wife' and cemented his place in Australia's literary canon. 
 When Lillian reads the short story as a teenager, she is convinced that it is based upon her own family and becomes determined to prove it. But as the years pass, the truth becomes more problematic, and Lillian must decide what is more important: holding onto the past or embracing the future.  
The Story Thief is about mothers and daughters, love, loss and the power of words. Ultimately it is about how each of us must find our own way to live. 
 
‘Brimming with evocative, authentic detail, The Story Thief brings a fresh, feminist perspective to Australian literature and art. Australian historical fiction at its finest.’ LIANE MORIARTY 
 
‘A richly textured and immersive novel filled with defining moments, minute detail and compelling insights into the meaning of loss, love and family.’ NICOLE ALEXANDER 
 
‘Vividly drawn – a delightful book.’ WENDY SHARPE, multi-award winning Australian artist 
 
‘The Story Thief is a finely wrought historical novel about those who have been seen, but not seen, in Australian literature and in life. RYAN O’NEILL, author of The Drover’s Wives

Show book