I Jonathan

A Charleston Tale of the Rebellion

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Pub Date 3 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 11 Dec 2020
Southern Rocket and Fountain City Publishing | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

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Description

A stranger from Boston is marooned in Charleston just as the Civil War begins. His relationships with working men and women, slaves, merchants, planters, spies, inventors, soldiers, sweethearts and musicians tell the story of a dynamic culture undergoing its greatest challenge.

Jonathan's adventures include the bombardment of Fort Sumter, the last great Charleston horse race, the Great Charleston Fire of 1861, the Battle of Secessionville, visits to the North Carolina mountain homes of wealthy Low Country planters, a run through the Federal Blockade, a visit to the raucous boomtowns of Nassau and Wilmington, battles of ironclads and monitors, the Battle of Battery Wagner (made famous in the movie, "Glory,") and an encounter with a Voo-Doo conjure man. His story documents the hopes and struggles of a young man making a new life in a strange land in a time of war and change.

The book has no graphic sex scenes, and some middling graphic battlefield scenes, nothing extreme.

A stranger from Boston is marooned in Charleston just as the Civil War begins. His relationships with working men and women, slaves, merchants, planters, spies, inventors, soldiers, sweethearts and...


A Note From the Publisher

Maps by Carte Rouge


ISBN for ebook: 978-0-9760867-6-5


Library of Congress Control Number: 2020908932

Maps by Carte Rouge


ISBN for ebook: 978-0-9760867-6-5


Library of Congress Control Number: 2020908932


Advance Praise

“Scott’s novel offers a spellbinding glimpse into Civil War Charleston...I did enjoy it!!”
—Caroline E. Janney, author of Remembering the Civil War: Reunion and the Limits of Reconciliation and John L. Nau III Professor in the History of the American Civil War at the University of Virginia

“An engaging narrative that draws you into the story with geographical and historical accuracy and maintains its grip to the final word.”
—Stephen Scruggs, U.S.M.A. and U.S. Army Veteran, Civil War Reenactor - 1st U.S.C.H.A.

“I know lots of people who call themselves writers who aren't as good...Civil War Charleston, was a complex place of fiery secessionists and perplexed immigrants, African Americans both enslaved and free, sailors, soldiers, musicians and drunks, old veterans and young secessionists knew nothing of war but would learn about its horrors all too soon.”
—Jack Neely, Executive Director of Knoxville History Project, journalist and author of numerous books on East Tennessee history and heritage

“The literary world has just about exhausted the moving of red and blue lines across the landscape. Languishing Lost Cause belles and beaus are likewise about 'played out.' It is time to look at the war through some different eyes...Charleston itself is the unsung 'main character' of this story...It is my pleasure to review and recommend your I Jonathan: A Charleston Tale of the Rebellion.”
—Meg Groeling, writer for the blog Emerging Civil War and author of Aftermath of Battle and the upcoming First Fallen: The Life of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, the North's First Civil War Hero

“An impressive work of art!... Writing skills are superior, as is his knowledge of the time period...Replete with fine details...First-class!”
—Rick Crary, writer for Indian River Magazine, author of A Treasure We Call Home

“The high moment for me in I Jonathan was the trip on the blockade runner. That segment was crafted with passion and intensity and attention to detail. I enjoyed those pages immensely. Great description of action and unique characters.”
—Steve Dean, Knoxville Civil War Round Table and creator of WBIR’s award-winning series, The Heartland Series

“The writer is quite gifted...The descriptions are excellent...The characters are alive...”
—Patricia Benton, Charleston, SC, Native and Knoxville writer

“Seen through eyes rich and poor, black and white, the epic path of the Civil War is brought to life. A great read and marvelous contribution to understanding one of the formative periods of America.”
—Dr. Milton Russell, Professor Emeritus, University of Tennessee

“Scott’s novel offers a spellbinding glimpse into Civil War Charleston...I did enjoy it!!”
—Caroline E. Janney, author of Remembering the Civil War: Reunion and the Limits of Reconciliation and John...


Marketing Plan

The book is being shared by a team of the publisher's friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Boosted Facebook posts in target markets will include names of booksellers that order the book for its October 3 publication.

News releases are being sent to media offices in selected markets and to wire services.

We are directly contacting Civil War groups around the country and beyond.

I am giving ARC ebooks to many bloggers who reply to my inquiry.

The book is being shared by a team of the publisher's friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Boosted Facebook posts in target markets will include names of booksellers that order the book for its October 3...



Average rating from 3 members


Featured Reviews

This is a magnificent civil war saga as told by a non-combatant. I was immediately immersed in the conflict between the North and the South during the American Civil War and was swept away into another time via the protagonist, Mr. I. Jonathan Vander.

When Jonathan tries to return to Boston from France, the return voyage is interrupted by a rogue wave and Jonathan winds up in Charleston due to needed ship repairs. He misses the boat back to Boston and now being low on funds he is forced to stay in Charleston.

The relationship between the rich and poor in Charleston is apparent throughout the conflict. The plight of the African American slaves was a bit different than expected as well. They too had a caste system which separated them into very distinct groups. Those that were freed were able to own businesses and controlled other groups of slaves. Jonathan being destitute was hired by one of these freed slaves. This entrepreneur dealt in all kinds of commodities.

I was particularly intrigued by the blockade running enterprise of some of the traders. Jon is constantly harassed by the Confederate military because he was young and of the age of conscription but he was carrying papers which detailed his reasons for not being in the military.

His relationship with a young woman that he saved from a fire is particularly moving. The development of instruments of war is also well described. The ballistics of the weapons and the distances they could shoot with accuracy amazed me.

Give yourself a block of time to allow yourself to be taken back to this era. It’s frighteningly eye-opening. The relationships of the inhabitants and their struggles are a rewarding infusion of knowledge. The tale is an immersion into another time and place. 5 stars CE Williams

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