Shipwreck! The San Fransisco Tragedy
By Tamara Taylor-Leigh
This book will be released October 10, 2003. For a limited
time only you can purchase "Shipwreck! The San Fransisco Tragedy" in
advance at a 15% discount. In addition to the discount,
pre purchased copies will be signed by the author.
ISBN: 0-9678530-2-8 [$24.85]
Review
The inspiring life of Major George Taylor and the catastrophic
sinking of the "San Francsco" are the subjects
of Tamara Taylor-Leigh's latest novel: "Shipwreck! The San Fransisco Tragedy" subtitled: The 1853 sinking of the "San
Francisco".
Though the conversations have been reconstructed the
basic data and the account of the true-life experiences
of a distant relative have been faithfully reported in
this historical novel. Taylor-Leigh has deftly explored
the inner workings of this career military man and his
connection to the first and last voyage of the ill-fated
steamer.
Set in 1853 with a Christmas season New York City as
a backdrop, Tamara Taylor-Leigh offers rich details in
this sequel to her first novel: "NAKED BLADE"
subtitled: A West Point Soldier in Pre-Civil War Battles
of The Indian & Mexican Wars.
The fascinating story from voluminus historical data
is her rendering of George Taylor's life in the days leading
up to December 22, 1853, when he and his wife, Emiline,
boarded the steamship. Having entered the U.S. Military
Academy at West Point as its youngest "plebe"
at the age of 15, George Taylor was no ordinary soldier.
A veteran of the Florida and Mexican Wars, he was a disciplined
and compassionate man. It was during the Mexican War in
1847 that Taylor received a brevet (to the rank of Major);
an honorary promotion in recognition of gallant services.
Taylor-Leigh writes of the native Georgian's values and
deep love and loyalty to his family and country. His family
is genealogically correct and is reported in scattered
references. Included in the novel are authentic newspaper
articles from 1853 to 1854, chronicling the maiden voyage
of the steamer. All quite interesting to read exactly
the way hometown friends read them 150 years ago. A unique
ship, the San Francisco was a hybrid, utilizing both tall
masts and coal powered engine-driven side wheels.The state-of-the-art
three decker vessel was embarking on her maiden voyage
from New York Harbor to California with a
full crew plus 22 women and children and 500 soldiers
from the eight companies of the Third Regiment of U.S.
Artrillery.
The ship had departed New York harbor on December 22nd
inspite of menacing dark clouds eastward. Two days into
the voyage the "San Francisco" encountered a
terrific Atlantic gale and when the engines failed she
foundered. All passengers were initially feared lost.
However, the rescue of more than 100 survivors is well-documented
with newspaper articles of those days and reports from
passengers who survived the tragedy. The final hours prior
to rescue was dramatic pathos and confusion. Crew and
undisciplined soldiers became unruly and uncontrolled
turmoil ensued.Tamara Taylor-Leigh's heartfelt (even tender)
story of Major George Taylor and his wife Emiline accompanied
by authentic newspaper articles and letters, makes for
a riveting story of American history.
Allyson Herring
Staff Writer
More Reviews
"The story of George Taylor is one worth telling.
Not only is it in itself full of adventure and human interest,
but it touches on so many other individuals who have stories
worthy of relating ...delightful, interesting, and easy
to read."
General Dave Richard Palmer
Author of River and the Rock,
Past Superintendent West Point,
President Walden University
"...a significant look at one of the most important
periods of United States expansion ...there is strength
in the details ...I read it twice in one week."
Colonel James F. Schnabel
Ret. US Army Chief Historian
WWII Supreme Headquarters-Europe
"The intensity of storytelling rises off the fever
chart ...a real treat. What becomes striking evident is
the adaptability of the novel to a screenplay."
Roland Barber
Author/Pulitzer Prize Nominee
Professor
Writer's Program UCLA
"Thorough research...it shows!"
Lt. Colonel Ricki L. Sullivan
Commanding Officer of the 3rd Artillery.
Ft. Sill, Oklahoma
Click
here to place an order using our order form
