My apologies to my readers for not posting for a few weeks - I've gotten several calls and emails from folks wondering if I'm just "laying low" for the summer, or if I've gotten lost. Well, when August 1 came, I had intended to follow through with my plan to take the month off from researching and writing, and gets lots of stuff done at the house... including moving the entire library from the first floor to the second. I had intended to do those things, that is.
On the 1st, which was a Saturday, the better half and I took a ride to do some antiquing and visit yard sales, something we enjoy doing once in a while. Hey, yard sales can be great places to find books! After making our last stop, I noticed that I had a few blisters on the back of my head. I thought maybe it had something to do with the hot sun. We had the roof off the Vette and I thought perhaps I had gotten a little too many rays.
I didn't think any more of it - until I woke up Sunday morning. There were more blisters on the back of my head, my neck, and also my right cheek. Aw, *&%$#@, I thought... poison ivy? I was out back near the woods cutting grass on Saturday morning, and maybe I got into it somehow. During the day the blisters got progressively worse. I got some Poison Ivy Wash at the store, and hoped it would help.
By Monday morning the blistering got worse and began to hurt. And the pain wasn't just at the surface, it hurt deeper in the muscle. While at the office, I called my family doctor to get in to see her so we could do something about it. She was on vacation, and her partner was covering her patients. Unfortunately, though, I couldn't get in to see her until Tuesday afternoon. When she took a look, she diagnosed it as poison ivy, or oak, or whatever. The strange thing about it, which I told her, was that it wasn't itchy at all - but it was hurting like hell. She was convinced it was contact dermatitis, and prescribed a steroid cream to put on the rash. I left, picked up the prescription, and immediately started smearing the stuff all over rash.
By Thursday, though, it hadn't cleared up much. The blisters had turned from white to red, and they seemed to be spreading. On top of it all, I started to get dizzy. I called the doc's office about it, and she prescribed steroid pills to give me a stronger meds regimen. I was so dizzy I could barely walk, let alone drive, so my wife picked up the pills. I dutifully started taking them. I was out of the office both Thursday and Friday, mainly because of the dizziness.
Saturday was pretty bad by late afternoon. The dizziness got worse, and I lost my appetite. All I could do was lie in bed. If I got up, which was rare, I had to hold onto things or I'd fall down. I was getting pretty naseous, and the fact that I couldn't eat was turning my stomach into knots. Sunday was no better. I was hoping that whatever reaction I was having would begin clearing by Monday.
Fat chance. On Monday I was dizzy as ever, and the blisters turned into ugly scabs. I still wasn't eating, and by then I'd lost about 12 pounds. (I'm 6'1" and 180, so I'm not wide to begin with.) Knowing that things were a lot more serious than just a case of poison ivy, I told my wife to run me to the Emergency Room that night.
We got to the ER about 9:30 pm. I told the admitting nurse that I thought maybe I was having a reaction to the steroid pills, which can make one dizzy and naseous. But in my case it was pretty bad, and after 3 days of it I couldn't take it anymore. Plus I wasn't eating and I was getting dehydrated. I hobbled back to the exam room. After my vitals were checked out, in walked one of the ER physicians.
It only took about a 10-second examination for him to shake his head and declare it was shingles. Shingles? What the - ? And a pretty bad case, too. Because we were treating poison ivy, it was shingles that had gone untreated for about 10 days. The blistering had gotten infected (hence the redness) and to top it off, I was dizzy as hell because it had given me an inner ear infection. It was so far advanced that it was too late to give me the shot they normally give in the early stages of shingles. A second doctor came in at the request of the first, and he too recognized it as shingles. Both shook their head when they learned another doctor had misdiagnosed it, and everyone felt bad that I had suffered this long. It was virtually untreated, and to add to my misery, I couldn't eat, was dehydrated, had a sore neck and shoulder from sleeping in a weird position (when I could sleep at all), and the ear infection completely debilitated me.
I was given and prescribed a powerful antibiotic which would knock out the shingles and the infection. I would take 2,000 milligrams per day for the next 10 days, and all I could basically do was ride out the storm. I was told I'd have a pretty rotten couple of weeks ahead of me.
And rotten they were. I could only spend the next 3 days in bed. But thankfully, the infection(s) subsided, and the dizziness finally went away over the past weekend. By Saturday my appetite returned, and I ate everything in sight. Karen spent about $200 at the grocery store, and I ate it all and then some. I've actually gained all of the weight back already. The blistering and rash are nearly gone, but the worry now is that there may be some scarring (although not too bad) because it became so advanced. I saw the chiropractor, who put my neck back into position on Tuesday. My neck was out for two weeks, and the muscles were completely wrecked. That's starting to heal now. Because of everything, I had so much pain in the head/neck area for nearly two weeks it's hard to describe.
The docs told me that shingles is basically an adult form of chicken pox. If you had it when you were a kid, you're at risk for another breakout later on, because the virus lies dormant in you for 20, 30, even 50 or more years. Neither I nor my father can remember me having it, though. Thankfully, there is a shot that is given to prevent another breakout, or will make it less severe. Once I'm completely healed, I'll probably get it. I've since learned that my sister had it some time ago too. What has really scared me is that if left completely untreated, it could have caused deafness in my right ear. If it gets into your eye, for instance, you can go blind.
I got back into the office on Monday, and I'm pretty much back to normal. There's some numbness, though, in my neck and cheek, and I'm hoping there's little or no scarring. If there are any lasting effects, however, that first doctor is getting a call - from my attorney. She called me at home the day after I was at the ER (she got a report from them) and I'm sure she was fishing around to see what my attitude was. I let her know that at this point, it's a matter of time to see if I fully recover.
I realize that there are much worse health maladies to go through, but this one was pretty awful. Getting a misdiagnosis meant that a pretty bad illness turned into a horrible one. I had nearly three weeks of abject hell, and I'll never forget August 2009.
Now it's time to get out the hammer and tools, and get to work on that library. Let's see, I wonder how long it will take to carry about 4000 books upstairs... 8 or 10 at a time...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Amazon/Barnes & Noble reviews
We really need more online reviews of The Complete Gettysburg Guide on Amazon.com and BN.com... everyone who can put up a new review of the book beginning today (July 28), please email me at jdpetruzzi@live.com, and we will tell you about a special offer we and our publisher have for you. Clicking on the links above will take you to the book's pages on those sites. Please place your review on the sites, then email me for details. Thank you!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
"The Complete Gettysburg Guide" digital companion
After a couple weeks of finally "gittin' stuff done" around the house and catching up on lots of things, I have been talking with Steve Stanley about our upcoming projects. We're just now starting on what will be a digital companion to "The Complete Gettysburg Guide." We will have a downloadable and CD touring companion to the book that folks can take along and play in their vehicle and/or personal devices. In addition to including Steve's maps, the companion will complement and supplement the book with additional places to see and events to tour on the battlefield, in the town, and other places. Audio tours are extremely popular with folks, and many, many people have asked if/when we'll be doing an audio companion for the book.
This weekend I will begin writing the script, and Steve is starting to work on the package itself and the maps. If anyone has any suggestions, please pass them along to me. I will continually keep you posted here as to our progress!
This weekend I will begin writing the script, and Steve is starting to work on the package itself and the maps. If anyone has any suggestions, please pass them along to me. I will continually keep you posted here as to our progress!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Back from Gettysburg
Wow, it was a whirlwind four days in Gettysburg from July 1 to 4. Steve Stanley, Mike Nugent and I had a busy time doing book signings almost constantly, but it was a lot of fun. It was really great seeing Mike, whom I hadn't seen since last summer.
The reception of The Complete Gettysburg Guide has been beyond our expectations, and we are truly humbled and grateful. Everyone has given us such wonderful comments about it, and we especially love hearing from those that have taken it out on the field and used it. But my buddy Steve Basic made the most poignant observation of all, and one I couldn't agree with more: if someone gives this book to, say, a ten year-old, and it sparks his interest in Gettysburg and history in general, then all the hard work was more than worth it.
Over the four days, we had a lot of book signings and talks at wonderful Gettysburg stores such as The American History Store, the Gettysburg Museum and Gift Center, Gallery 30, the Supply Wagon Sutler, as well as at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. We also attended the Hunterstown Heritage Days over the anniversary of the cavalry fight there, on July 2.
On July 3, it was a special treat to speak in front of a large crowd under the Sacred Trust tent outside the GNMP Visitor Center. During our second book signing inside the VC that day, we were able to meet filmaker Ken Burns, who was signing his books beside us. Below is a pic of Ken, Steve Stanley, me, and Mike Nugent during a short break.
At Hunterstown, I spoke to the attendees about the book and also the preservation efforts going on at Hunterstown. Below is a shot of the talk. Laurie and Roger Harding are true gems as the coordinators of the Hunterstown Historical Society, and it was great seeing the dedication of the new Civil War Trails wayside on their historical property, the Tate farm.
Below is a shot of Steve and I flanking wonderful Custer living historian, Steve Alexander, at the Hunterstown event as he holds his copy of the book.
Here is a pic of me giving my talk during the Sacred Trust (Gettysburg Foundation) event in the tent outside the GNMP Visitor Center on July 3. We had a packed tent, and I got lots of great questions about the book. I think we signed about 40 copies of the book for folks, and we really enjoyed talking to people about the tours and places to see that are included.
Charles Joyce is simply one amazing artist. When you visit Gallery 30 at 30 York Street in Gettysburg, check out his work. During our signing there on July 4, Chuck was having an exhibition of some of his work at the gallery, and I had to have my photo taken with him in front of some of his paintings. He is below on the left.
I'm very glad to be back home after this, my fourth trip this year to Gettysburg. But I can look back on many days of talking to many amazing folks about the book. Now it's time to take time to get some things done around the house! (Oh, and get back to my real job, too!)
The reception of The Complete Gettysburg Guide has been beyond our expectations, and we are truly humbled and grateful. Everyone has given us such wonderful comments about it, and we especially love hearing from those that have taken it out on the field and used it. But my buddy Steve Basic made the most poignant observation of all, and one I couldn't agree with more: if someone gives this book to, say, a ten year-old, and it sparks his interest in Gettysburg and history in general, then all the hard work was more than worth it.
Over the four days, we had a lot of book signings and talks at wonderful Gettysburg stores such as The American History Store, the Gettysburg Museum and Gift Center, Gallery 30, the Supply Wagon Sutler, as well as at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. We also attended the Hunterstown Heritage Days over the anniversary of the cavalry fight there, on July 2.
On July 3, it was a special treat to speak in front of a large crowd under the Sacred Trust tent outside the GNMP Visitor Center. During our second book signing inside the VC that day, we were able to meet filmaker Ken Burns, who was signing his books beside us. Below is a pic of Ken, Steve Stanley, me, and Mike Nugent during a short break.
At Hunterstown, I spoke to the attendees about the book and also the preservation efforts going on at Hunterstown. Below is a shot of the talk. Laurie and Roger Harding are true gems as the coordinators of the Hunterstown Historical Society, and it was great seeing the dedication of the new Civil War Trails wayside on their historical property, the Tate farm.
Below is a shot of Steve and I flanking wonderful Custer living historian, Steve Alexander, at the Hunterstown event as he holds his copy of the book.
Here is a pic of me giving my talk during the Sacred Trust (Gettysburg Foundation) event in the tent outside the GNMP Visitor Center on July 3. We had a packed tent, and I got lots of great questions about the book. I think we signed about 40 copies of the book for folks, and we really enjoyed talking to people about the tours and places to see that are included.
Charles Joyce is simply one amazing artist. When you visit Gallery 30 at 30 York Street in Gettysburg, check out his work. During our signing there on July 4, Chuck was having an exhibition of some of his work at the gallery, and I had to have my photo taken with him in front of some of his paintings. He is below on the left.
I'm very glad to be back home after this, my fourth trip this year to Gettysburg. But I can look back on many days of talking to many amazing folks about the book. Now it's time to take time to get some things done around the house! (Oh, and get back to my real job, too!)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Weekend in Gettysburg, and an unexpected ending
I arrived home late last night from three great days in Gettysburg, and I really wanted to post a wrap-up of the trip before going to bed, but I just couldn't. True, I was tired and it was already rather late by the time I got things squared away... but I couldn't help thinking about something that happened at the end of our last book signing last night, and I needed to give myself a day before posting anything. More on that as I close this post.
I arrived in Gettysburg late on Thursday afternoon, which gave me time to make some visits around the battlefield. As I've mentioned here before, I've been taking much more time on my visits this year to spend simple, quality time on the field. I enjoy closely examining the new vistas afforded by the tree clearings. This time I took more time to examine the Slyder farm area on the southern end of the field, then Munshower's Knoll. I also took several minutes to once again look around in the area of the stone walls bordering the southern end of Rose's wheatfield. After eating way too much (for the hundredth time) at Mayflower's Chinese Buffet, I stopped at several retailers in town and signed newly-arrived copies of The Complete Gettysburg Guide that the stores had pre-sold and wanted signed so the customers could pick them up.
I got to the Reliance Mine Saloon a little after 9 pm, where I met some friends. I called it an early night, however, since I wanted to get up early and visit the Visitor Center bookstore and spend a couple more hours on the field. Dr. Dave and Carol Moore graciously put me up again this trip.
The book has been selling very strongly in the VC bookstore since its arrival nearly two weeks ago, and in the morning I took a look at the displays. They feature the book at each entrance, as well as on the register counters. We all are very flattered that they're doing that in addition to being on the shelf in the Gettysburg section. Customers can easily find the book and the prominent and numerous displays are very generous of the store folks.
I then took a slow cruise of Culp's Hill and motored over to the American History Store (on the corner of Steinwehr and Baltimore Street) to see manager Jim Glessner. As I've said here many times before, Jim has turned this former Greystone's store into the premier bookstore in Gettysburg. That, in addition to the DVDs and historical maps he carries makes the store a wonderful place to browse. The book selection is now even better than it was under the Greystone ownership. Steve Stanley and I were slated for a book signing in the store that evening as well as Saturday evening (7-9 pm). Jim had secured a sidewalk sandwich board to advertise the signings, and buddy (and Licensed Battlefield Guide) Jim Hessler was going to be with us as well, signing copies of his brand-new book on Sickles at Gettysburg.
After dinner Steve and I arrived at Jim's store for the signing, and it went very well. We signed quite a number of books for customers, as did Jim Hessler. But the most enjoyable part for me always is talking to people. We had great conversations about topics addressed in the book - not only specific parts of the battlefield, but also the rock carvings, Letterman Hospital, and the cemeteries. Folks really do have quite broad interests in Gettysburg, and people are quite eager to see them addressed in The Guide.
I then had a great couple hours in the Mine with friends, including Blake Magner. I really enjoy talking with Blake - especially hearing his experiences. Besides being widely read and great to discuss Gettysburg with, he's entertaining as hell. His dry wit and fantastic stories are wonderful. Bill Frassanito was also holding court that night, and I hated to have to leave about 11:30, but Steve and I had an early and long day ahead of us.
I picked Steve up a little after 7 am Saturday, and we headed off to the All-Star Complex on Rt. 15 South for the Gettysburg Collector's Show. We had a table there, and sold copies of The Guide as well as large copies of some of Steve's maps. Wow, I love that show. Of course, there are all manner of weapons and artifacts there - but I love the books. Several of the top book sellers are there, and I have found many of my old first editions at previous shows. But I really have to behave there... otherwise, I'd re-mortgage the house after a couple hours and the wife would kill me...
There were thousands of visitors, and we sold a nice amount of the book. I did make several trips around the floor, and purchased a few books (but didn't have to mortgage the house, thankfully). Steve's girlfriend Kyrstie (a wonderful lady, and - just between us - several levels above Steve's station :)) helped us out at the show and even brought us lunch. During the show Saturday and Sunday, lots of buddies dropped by. Newly-minted Licensed Guide Stan O'Donnell and his wife Bev came by, as did George Franks, Karl Fauzer, Sal Prezioso, Duane Siskey and Lori Krick, and others. I spoke for a time with Andy Turner, whose Gettysburg Magazine display was right across our table (making me stare at the Bob Younger book collection the whole time!). Andy and I spoke about a couple articles I'm going to be sending him, and both he and Col. Silas Felton bought copies of the book.
I forced Steve to take me to the Chinese Buffet again for dinner, where I again ate enough to choke Pleasonton's whole cavalry corps. We had our second book signing at Jim Glessner's store that evening, then we all went to the Mine for Book 'n A Beer night. A couple customers bought copies of The Guide, but the highlight was again listening to Blake for a couple hours.
Sunday morning we were again at the Book Show before 9, and we stayed until 1 pm. It was a very nice show - I got to spend a good deal of time not only perusing the books for sale, but also examining cavalry sabers and carbines. I really wish my friend (and co-author of the book One Continuous Fight) Mike Nugent could attend a show - he'd go nuts looking at the weapons and artifacts.
After packing up we had lunch with Kyrstie and Steve's daughter Ashleigh (along with Duane and Lori) and then we went to the Visitor Center for our 3-5pm signing there. There we met new Licensed Guide Christina Moon and gave her a copy of The Guide. Christina recently suffered a house fire, and she lost her entire book collection along with just about everything else. Her many friends have been helping her rebuild her collection, and it was an honor to present her with a copy of the book.
The signing went very well. Even though there weren't that many customers so late on a Sunday, we signed quite a number of books. One customer's story, though, really made an impression on Steve and me. The gentleman had attended a Smithsonian-sponsored tour with venerable historian Ed Bearss last week, and on the bus Ed had his copy of The Guide. Ed passed the book around the bus and really praised it. Steve and I were really floored by that, and we are humbled by Ed's endorsement. The gentleman had made a point to come to the VC to get the book and was happy that we happened to be there for a signing at the time. To know that Ed brought his copy of the book along on the tour and showed it to folks was one of the nicest things we'd heard about the book.
Close to 5 pm, as we were about the finish, Len Riedel, Executive Director of the Blue and Gray Education Society came by. Len had brought several wounded Iraqi War veterans to Gettysburg for a tour of the field, and some came into the bookstore. After a few minutes, one veteran came rolling up in his wheelchair. I began speaking with him, and he told us that his right leg had been blown off by an IED. The terrorists had been targeting him that day, because he had been hitting them pretty hard. They hit him four times before he lost the leg, and he happily told me that the ones who wounded him are "with us no more." He was actually rather soft-spoken, and told me that this was his first visit to Gettysburg since a young boy. His own year-old son was sitting in his lap, and I really loved talking to him. He was going to be fitted with an artificial leg soon, and had a great attitude about his wound, calling it "just losing a foot, that's all." He looked at the book, and really liked it. As he was talking with Steve and Len, I snuck over to a cash register, paid for a copy of the book, then went back to them. Steve and I signed a copy for the veteran and we have it to him. He really appreciated it, but we told him that we appreciated his service much more and thanked him for fighting for and protecting us. As I spoke with him, I wanted to cry, which frustrated me. I have seen several wounded before, but his wonderful attitude impressed me more than I can express. He took life as it comes, and accepted his wound like it's just part of the job. His lovely wife came by shortly after, and I looked at this little family in which there was evidently a lot of love. The soldier looked to just be about 25 years old, but I predict he has a lot of life ahead of him. We regretfully said our goodbyes, but it was after 5 pm and I needed to hit the road and get home. I drove Steve home and got on the road, but thought about the soldier nearly all the way home. I'll never forget him, the story he told me, and the sacrifice he made for all of us and for justice.
I have bought something over 3,000 books in my life, but I will always remember that the one we gave him was the best purchase I ever made. It's also one that I will never forget. It was a terrific few days in Gettysburg again, but made all the more special by meeting that soldier at the end. It taught me more about the people I write about, a little primer that is always welcome, and reinforces the purpose of all that we do as students of history.
I arrived in Gettysburg late on Thursday afternoon, which gave me time to make some visits around the battlefield. As I've mentioned here before, I've been taking much more time on my visits this year to spend simple, quality time on the field. I enjoy closely examining the new vistas afforded by the tree clearings. This time I took more time to examine the Slyder farm area on the southern end of the field, then Munshower's Knoll. I also took several minutes to once again look around in the area of the stone walls bordering the southern end of Rose's wheatfield. After eating way too much (for the hundredth time) at Mayflower's Chinese Buffet, I stopped at several retailers in town and signed newly-arrived copies of The Complete Gettysburg Guide that the stores had pre-sold and wanted signed so the customers could pick them up.
I got to the Reliance Mine Saloon a little after 9 pm, where I met some friends. I called it an early night, however, since I wanted to get up early and visit the Visitor Center bookstore and spend a couple more hours on the field. Dr. Dave and Carol Moore graciously put me up again this trip.
The book has been selling very strongly in the VC bookstore since its arrival nearly two weeks ago, and in the morning I took a look at the displays. They feature the book at each entrance, as well as on the register counters. We all are very flattered that they're doing that in addition to being on the shelf in the Gettysburg section. Customers can easily find the book and the prominent and numerous displays are very generous of the store folks.
I then took a slow cruise of Culp's Hill and motored over to the American History Store (on the corner of Steinwehr and Baltimore Street) to see manager Jim Glessner. As I've said here many times before, Jim has turned this former Greystone's store into the premier bookstore in Gettysburg. That, in addition to the DVDs and historical maps he carries makes the store a wonderful place to browse. The book selection is now even better than it was under the Greystone ownership. Steve Stanley and I were slated for a book signing in the store that evening as well as Saturday evening (7-9 pm). Jim had secured a sidewalk sandwich board to advertise the signings, and buddy (and Licensed Battlefield Guide) Jim Hessler was going to be with us as well, signing copies of his brand-new book on Sickles at Gettysburg.
After dinner Steve and I arrived at Jim's store for the signing, and it went very well. We signed quite a number of books for customers, as did Jim Hessler. But the most enjoyable part for me always is talking to people. We had great conversations about topics addressed in the book - not only specific parts of the battlefield, but also the rock carvings, Letterman Hospital, and the cemeteries. Folks really do have quite broad interests in Gettysburg, and people are quite eager to see them addressed in The Guide.
I then had a great couple hours in the Mine with friends, including Blake Magner. I really enjoy talking with Blake - especially hearing his experiences. Besides being widely read and great to discuss Gettysburg with, he's entertaining as hell. His dry wit and fantastic stories are wonderful. Bill Frassanito was also holding court that night, and I hated to have to leave about 11:30, but Steve and I had an early and long day ahead of us.
I picked Steve up a little after 7 am Saturday, and we headed off to the All-Star Complex on Rt. 15 South for the Gettysburg Collector's Show. We had a table there, and sold copies of The Guide as well as large copies of some of Steve's maps. Wow, I love that show. Of course, there are all manner of weapons and artifacts there - but I love the books. Several of the top book sellers are there, and I have found many of my old first editions at previous shows. But I really have to behave there... otherwise, I'd re-mortgage the house after a couple hours and the wife would kill me...
There were thousands of visitors, and we sold a nice amount of the book. I did make several trips around the floor, and purchased a few books (but didn't have to mortgage the house, thankfully). Steve's girlfriend Kyrstie (a wonderful lady, and - just between us - several levels above Steve's station :)) helped us out at the show and even brought us lunch. During the show Saturday and Sunday, lots of buddies dropped by. Newly-minted Licensed Guide Stan O'Donnell and his wife Bev came by, as did George Franks, Karl Fauzer, Sal Prezioso, Duane Siskey and Lori Krick, and others. I spoke for a time with Andy Turner, whose Gettysburg Magazine display was right across our table (making me stare at the Bob Younger book collection the whole time!). Andy and I spoke about a couple articles I'm going to be sending him, and both he and Col. Silas Felton bought copies of the book.
I forced Steve to take me to the Chinese Buffet again for dinner, where I again ate enough to choke Pleasonton's whole cavalry corps. We had our second book signing at Jim Glessner's store that evening, then we all went to the Mine for Book 'n A Beer night. A couple customers bought copies of The Guide, but the highlight was again listening to Blake for a couple hours.
Sunday morning we were again at the Book Show before 9, and we stayed until 1 pm. It was a very nice show - I got to spend a good deal of time not only perusing the books for sale, but also examining cavalry sabers and carbines. I really wish my friend (and co-author of the book One Continuous Fight) Mike Nugent could attend a show - he'd go nuts looking at the weapons and artifacts.
After packing up we had lunch with Kyrstie and Steve's daughter Ashleigh (along with Duane and Lori) and then we went to the Visitor Center for our 3-5pm signing there. There we met new Licensed Guide Christina Moon and gave her a copy of The Guide. Christina recently suffered a house fire, and she lost her entire book collection along with just about everything else. Her many friends have been helping her rebuild her collection, and it was an honor to present her with a copy of the book.
The signing went very well. Even though there weren't that many customers so late on a Sunday, we signed quite a number of books. One customer's story, though, really made an impression on Steve and me. The gentleman had attended a Smithsonian-sponsored tour with venerable historian Ed Bearss last week, and on the bus Ed had his copy of The Guide. Ed passed the book around the bus and really praised it. Steve and I were really floored by that, and we are humbled by Ed's endorsement. The gentleman had made a point to come to the VC to get the book and was happy that we happened to be there for a signing at the time. To know that Ed brought his copy of the book along on the tour and showed it to folks was one of the nicest things we'd heard about the book.
Close to 5 pm, as we were about the finish, Len Riedel, Executive Director of the Blue and Gray Education Society came by. Len had brought several wounded Iraqi War veterans to Gettysburg for a tour of the field, and some came into the bookstore. After a few minutes, one veteran came rolling up in his wheelchair. I began speaking with him, and he told us that his right leg had been blown off by an IED. The terrorists had been targeting him that day, because he had been hitting them pretty hard. They hit him four times before he lost the leg, and he happily told me that the ones who wounded him are "with us no more." He was actually rather soft-spoken, and told me that this was his first visit to Gettysburg since a young boy. His own year-old son was sitting in his lap, and I really loved talking to him. He was going to be fitted with an artificial leg soon, and had a great attitude about his wound, calling it "just losing a foot, that's all." He looked at the book, and really liked it. As he was talking with Steve and Len, I snuck over to a cash register, paid for a copy of the book, then went back to them. Steve and I signed a copy for the veteran and we have it to him. He really appreciated it, but we told him that we appreciated his service much more and thanked him for fighting for and protecting us. As I spoke with him, I wanted to cry, which frustrated me. I have seen several wounded before, but his wonderful attitude impressed me more than I can express. He took life as it comes, and accepted his wound like it's just part of the job. His lovely wife came by shortly after, and I looked at this little family in which there was evidently a lot of love. The soldier looked to just be about 25 years old, but I predict he has a lot of life ahead of him. We regretfully said our goodbyes, but it was after 5 pm and I needed to hit the road and get home. I drove Steve home and got on the road, but thought about the soldier nearly all the way home. I'll never forget him, the story he told me, and the sacrifice he made for all of us and for justice.
I have bought something over 3,000 books in my life, but I will always remember that the one we gave him was the best purchase I ever made. It's also one that I will never forget. It was a terrific few days in Gettysburg again, but made all the more special by meeting that soldier at the end. It taught me more about the people I write about, a little primer that is always welcome, and reinforces the purpose of all that we do as students of history.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
My golf game really stinks
There was a time, once, when I could bring even the toughest golf courses "to their knees."
Well, not really, I guess - but I was a pretty decent golfer in my high school and college years. As a senior in high school, I was the top player on our team, and pretty consistently shot a couple to maybe four or so strokes above par during matches. And our home course was actually a PGA course about 5 miles from the school - not your average public links.
During my four years at Penn State, I played on our men's team and achieved the #3 ranking, carrying my lowest PGA handicap of 3.5 several times. I had trouble cracking par, and just couldn't get those last few strokes consistently off my average. But back then, during all those school years, we played at least 18 holes 5 or 6 days a week, and lots of days a group of us would play 36 in a day. Then - go out on the range and hit a few more. I even toyed with the idea of getting more lessons and perhaps seeing if I could try some PGA tournaments and Q-School. But as my interests leaned toward business, I just never got serious enough about my golf to pursue it.
But I lived and breathed it. I hardly ever missed watching a tournament on TV. I got all the golf magazines. I practiced putting in the basement until I nearly wore grooves in the carpet. Jack Nicklaus was my hero, and I even fashioned both my grip and my swing after him. I use the interlocking grip and have a "flying right elbow" just like Jack.
In the ensuing years, life intervened. I started out in business (self-employed) after college, and seriously took up again my personal study of history. My golf days during the week started out at 3 or 4, then dwindled to 2, and now for the past 10 years I only play 9 holes, one night a week, in the men's league at our local muni.
And boy, does my game suck.
Of course, I also got married in the meantime, and helped raise my new wife's daughter. Business became a much bigger part of my life, and golf went to the background. Now I hardly ever go out to the range, and I mostly only watch part of the major tournaments on TV. There just isn't much time for it anymore. But I have ramped up my study of the Civil War and writing, of course, while still finding much time for the important things in life - family, and other forms of recreation that we can do together. I guess like most people, my interests have changed and the amount of time devoted to them has proportionately changed as well.
Did I mention my golf game really blows?
There was that time, say 20 years ago, that I would nearly go into a rage if I shot 40 or over for 9 holes. Now, today, I'm ecstatic if my score is under 50. Tonite, though, I shot a 52, and had a 53 last week.
I told you my golf game bites.
Last week I was pretty frustrated - I guess it's taken time for me to understand that it's not just that I can't do some of the things I did 20 years ago, it's that I can't put the "time" in anymore. Truthfully, I want to put that time into other things - which I do - and that one night a week on the course with the guys is somewhat of a necessary bit of leisure for me. Being out on the course still takes me back to my school years, and especially to when I was about 8 years old when my mother actually taught me the game. She was the first to take me out. That first day out with her, I think I scared the living daylights out of her when one of my shots darn near killed someone playing on an adjacent hole... but starting me on the game enriched my life. I soon learned that golf is one of those games that shows the measure of a person in many ways. There are rules, yes, but it's left up to you to follow them. You can take "mulligans" on the course, but you don't often get them in life. You can kick that ball out of the rough when no one's looking, but in family, business, and life in general, there are no foot-wedges. You take each shot as it comes and deal with it. That's why, today, I can't stand someone who cheats on the golf course - I want nothing to do with them. I feel they can't be trusted if they'll cheat at the game. Play with me and cheat, and you're finished. I don't mean the friendly kind of play - I mean deliberately cheating to lower a score or better your shot in order to win money or whatever. I want nothing to do with such a person because one who can't be trusted when he's being watched certainly can't be trusted when he's not.
So rather than be so frustrated tonite, I'm starting to accept the fact that unless I were to start playing 4 or 5 days a week again, and practice my game, it's probably as good as it'll be. You get out of something what you put into it. And that's very true with just about everything in life. I read, study, listen, and write more now than I play golf - and I think I'm better at history than golf. I have to accept that the one night a week on the course can continue to be just for fun, and I'll never be the nearly-scratch golfer I once was. Yes, my game really stinks, but it's okay. No matter how I and my golfing buddy finish the season, we'll still get to eat a great season-ending banquet just like everyone else. Yeah, I'll wish I'd played better, but I can look back on a summer of fun, sun, and fresh air. And remember that in the end it's a game - one you play - I don't make a living at it. I don't make a living at my writing either, but I am content to practice it continually, constantly honing my skills. You get out of it what you put into it.
Sigh. 52 tonite. Oh well, there's always next week. I wonder if I still have that old putting return machine around here somewhere?
Monday, June 22, 2009
"Beginning" again...
Those of you who have read my Introduction remarks in The Complete Gettysburg Guide may recall the story that I tell of first learning to write my name at a very young age. One evening, I asked my father, David, how to write my name. He knelt down beside me on the floor, took one of my crayons, and wrote "D-A-V-I-D" on the page. I then traced over the letters, then wrote the name myself over and over, and I guess I haven't stopped writing since.
This past weekend, our local museum, operated by the Brockway (PA) Historical Society, hosted a talk and book signing for me. My father is one of the officers of the society, and a friend Tim Carnahan also is a valuable volunteer there. Tim did all the legwork setting up the event, and a nice little group attended on Saturday. Some folks also drove from about 15 miles away to get the new book. I was able to make a donation back to the museum from the sales, and it was a very nice couple of hours to spend talking about the book and signing them for attendees.
We had a picture taken, below, as I sign a book with my father looking on. I thought at that moment how what I had written about in the Introduction had come full circle. As he did those forty or so years ago, he once again looked on as I write my name - just as he taught me.
I know we both wish that my Mom, who went back home to God this past February, could have seen this book. She knew all about it as Steve Stanley and I worked on it, and even got to see some early images of the pages. I know that somewhere she is looking down, and perhaps also thinking back those many years ago when her "boys" wrote their shared name on paper for the very first time together.
I just wanted to let everyone know how special that story in the Introduction is to me, as special as the book itself is to Steve and I. Thanks, Dad, for showing me...
...the awesome power of words.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Eagle Has Landed
Okay, sorry, borrowed a title from one of my favorite movies :-)
Actually, the book has landed - finally! - in Gettysburg. Copies of The Complete Gettysburg Guide were just delivered this past Friday to the Visitor Center and Museum Bookstore (they were put out on the shelf Sunday), and all retailers should have them available today or tomorrow. One store told me that today alone they received six calls from folks looking for the book. Customers have been routinely asking if the VC store has them in stock. Co-author Steve Stanley received a supply today that he is going to sign and send to me, enabling me to fulfill the rest of our website orders. So those of you who ordered personally signed copies from us, and have not yet received them, they'll be on their way to you in just a few days.
It's wonderful finally having the book available in Gettysburg - now we hope that folks will take it out onto the field(s), town, cemeteries, etc. and put it to use. Make the book work for you, teach you, and cause you to have more questions about it all. There is much for us to discover together!
Actually, the book has landed - finally! - in Gettysburg. Copies of The Complete Gettysburg Guide were just delivered this past Friday to the Visitor Center and Museum Bookstore (they were put out on the shelf Sunday), and all retailers should have them available today or tomorrow. One store told me that today alone they received six calls from folks looking for the book. Customers have been routinely asking if the VC store has them in stock. Co-author Steve Stanley received a supply today that he is going to sign and send to me, enabling me to fulfill the rest of our website orders. So those of you who ordered personally signed copies from us, and have not yet received them, they'll be on their way to you in just a few days.
It's wonderful finally having the book available in Gettysburg - now we hope that folks will take it out onto the field(s), town, cemeteries, etc. and put it to use. Make the book work for you, teach you, and cause you to have more questions about it all. There is much for us to discover together!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pics from Gettysburg Trip
Here are some pictures, courtesy of Savas Beatie Marketing Director Sarah Keeney, from the Gettysburg visit weekend before last. Savas Beatie Managing Director Ted Savas and Sarah spent a few days in Gettysburg following their trip to Book Expo in NYC. It was the first time I'd met Sarah (a beautiful and very talented lady) and the second time I got to join Ted at the hallowed ground.
Sarah and I are pictured above with one of the owners of Gallery 30, Peggy Rock. I'm holding my first book, Peggy is holding the second, and Sarah is holding up a copy of the newly-arrived The New Civil War Handbook by Mark Hughes (Savas Beatie 2009). Folks, you must get this book - it's chock-full of interesting and useful facts, figures, trivia, charts, you-name-it about the Civil War. It's a book you'll enjoy sitting down and reading through, and referring back to again and again. In fact, I'll probably never write another article or book without referring to it profusely.
Here's a shot of Ted and I at the monument of the 24th Michigan Infantry of the Federal Iron Brigade, along Stone/Meredith Avenue on the first day's field. Eric Lindblade, a fellow who works for Jim Glessner at the stores, took us on an enjoyable tour of Archer's advance of July 1. We started down at Willoughby Run close to the Country Club property and followed the advance up the slope to the monuments here. It's a neat little walk I've long enjoyed making. Just check yourself for ticks when you're done! (I volunteered to check Sarah, but she wouldn't allow me. My medical degree non-withstanding, too.)
Above, Ted and I are up in the Warfield Ridge (or Longstreet) tower. Man, Ted loves climbing these towers. I'm leaning on the rail after getting up here, hacking, wheezing, throwing up, and catching my breath. Well, okay, not really - I'm in pretty good shape. Ted is leaning on me, and I think there's a metaphor here...
A really nice shot of Monday night's dinner at Mama Ventura's just off the square. Going around the table clockwise beginning from the left: Kyrstie, Steve Stanley's much better other; Steve; Ted; Licensed Battlefield Guide George Newton; me, just digging into a wonderful plate of pasta and clams; Licensed Battlefield Guide Jim Hessler; Sarah; and Antietam Ranger John Hoptak. George's Silent Sentinels book about Gettysburg artillery was a great resource for me when writing The Guide, and Jim's new book on Sickles at Gettysburg is awesome and one everyone must have. John is a great researcher and has enlisted to help Steve and I with the next guide book in the series - The Complete Antietam Campaign Guide.
I had to leave for home right after dinner Monday night, so I regret I had to miss the traditional gathering at the Reliance Mine Saloon. It was nice of Sarah to send the above picture of everyone. From left to right: Steve Stanley, holding a copy of The Complete Gettysburg Guide; Jim Hessler, holding his Sickles book (which has one of the neatest-looking covers ever); John Hoptak; Sarah Keeney; Ted Savas; the Gettysburg legend William Frassanito holding one of his books; Jim Glessner; Eric Lindblade; and my good buddy Duane Siskey.
Above is a shot taken at one of our favorite watering holes and eateries, O'Rorke's. I'm in the blue shirt, and Ted is wearing white. The fellow in dark blue standing with us is my good buddy from "across the pond," Mark Peters, who hails from England. His better half Yan is in the foreground. Mark has made at least two trips here to the US to meet with our Civil War Discussion Group Online at the annual muster, which had taken place that weekend. I wasn't able to arrive in Gettysburg until later on this particular Sunday, so Mark and Yan actually stayed in town that evening so I could see them. I was really honored and tickled that we could see them, since I was afraid I would miss their visit. Mark is a very, very sharp student of the American Civil War and all military history, and I love talking with him. He owns all my books, and I know he enjoyed being able to meet Ted and Sarah too. Mark is a big fan of Savas Beatie and their books, and seeing all of them able to meet and talk was a special treat. (Sitting at the table in the background is my co-author of The Complete Gettysburg Guide, cartographer Steve Stanley - probably telling more of his famous lies.)
Above, Jim Glessner is flanked by Steve Stanley on the left, me on the right. Jim manages what are known as the Habitat stores on Steinwehr Avenue for the Bardot family. Jim has done a wonderful job with the American History store at the corner of Steinwehr and Baltimore Street, which was the former Greystone store. Jim has the store stocked chock full of Gettysburg and Civil War books, DVDs, historical flags, and a fabulous selection of historical Gettysburg maps. He really has turned it into the premier book and reference store in Gettysburg. Here, Jim is holding up his very own copy of The Guide, which Steve and I signed for him. He didn't think he was getting one this early (we had only gotten a small supply of pre-release copies for the Civil War Preservation Trust Conference and Gettysburg Discussion Group muster the following weekend). Jim's copy was literally one of the very first couple copies put in private hands, and his copy he's holding is literally the first copy of the book signed by both Steve and I (we marked the book as such, too). Knowing Jim, he's probably already sold the book for beer money. (Kidding, Jim!) Jim will hopefully be selling lots of the book in his store, and we were proud and honored to present him with "the first."
This time I'm the one being flanked - by two beautiful ladies, Sarah on the left and Tammy Myers on the right. Tammy manages the Gettysburg Gift Center and Museum (formerly known as the Gettysburg Wax Museum) on Steinwehr Avenue. Tammy has a big job managing this popular place, and they have a great selection of books. I'm also guilty of buying lots of my shirts and hats here! I had just signed copies of my first two books (Plenty of Blame To Go Around and One Continuous Fight) that they had and are shown on the counter. Tammy's a great lady, and she's always very willing and helpful during book signings. Steve and I also got to spend time with her at the CWPT Conference last weekend, and I found out there that she does not like mushrooms on her pizza... sorry, Tammy, next time I'll remember! (Hhmm... wonder if she likes sardines or anchiovies?)
Another merchant that we visited on Monday was Gallery 30 just off the square. It's primarily an art and crafts gallery (and they really have some awesome items), but they carry an impressive selection of books. Not just Gettysburg and Civil War books, but of many genres. Before I even got to know the owners well, I had purchased a number of books on a variety of subjects there. They had a supply of my books there and above I'm shown signing one. Customers really prefer books signed by the author (I always have), and it's nice that merchants like for us to do that.
Sarah and I are pictured above with one of the owners of Gallery 30, Peggy Rock. I'm holding my first book, Peggy is holding the second, and Sarah is holding up a copy of the newly-arrived The New Civil War Handbook by Mark Hughes (Savas Beatie 2009). Folks, you must get this book - it's chock-full of interesting and useful facts, figures, trivia, charts, you-name-it about the Civil War. It's a book you'll enjoy sitting down and reading through, and referring back to again and again. In fact, I'll probably never write another article or book without referring to it profusely.Here's a shot of Ted and I at the monument of the 24th Michigan Infantry of the Federal Iron Brigade, along Stone/Meredith Avenue on the first day's field. Eric Lindblade, a fellow who works for Jim Glessner at the stores, took us on an enjoyable tour of Archer's advance of July 1. We started down at Willoughby Run close to the Country Club property and followed the advance up the slope to the monuments here. It's a neat little walk I've long enjoyed making. Just check yourself for ticks when you're done! (I volunteered to check Sarah, but she wouldn't allow me. My medical degree non-withstanding, too.)Above, Ted and I are up in the Warfield Ridge (or Longstreet) tower. Man, Ted loves climbing these towers. I'm leaning on the rail after getting up here, hacking, wheezing, throwing up, and catching my breath. Well, okay, not really - I'm in pretty good shape. Ted is leaning on me, and I think there's a metaphor here...A really nice shot of Monday night's dinner at Mama Ventura's just off the square. Going around the table clockwise beginning from the left: Kyrstie, Steve Stanley's much better other; Steve; Ted; Licensed Battlefield Guide George Newton; me, just digging into a wonderful plate of pasta and clams; Licensed Battlefield Guide Jim Hessler; Sarah; and Antietam Ranger John Hoptak. George's Silent Sentinels book about Gettysburg artillery was a great resource for me when writing The Guide, and Jim's new book on Sickles at Gettysburg is awesome and one everyone must have. John is a great researcher and has enlisted to help Steve and I with the next guide book in the series - The Complete Antietam Campaign Guide.I had to leave for home right after dinner Monday night, so I regret I had to miss the traditional gathering at the Reliance Mine Saloon. It was nice of Sarah to send the above picture of everyone. From left to right: Steve Stanley, holding a copy of The Complete Gettysburg Guide; Jim Hessler, holding his Sickles book (which has one of the neatest-looking covers ever); John Hoptak; Sarah Keeney; Ted Savas; the Gettysburg legend William Frassanito holding one of his books; Jim Glessner; Eric Lindblade; and my good buddy Duane Siskey. Thanks again for the pictures, Sarah! Be sure to check out her own blog, On Marketing (Working With Authors) for more details and pictures of their own trip that week.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Busy weekend blast
Friday, Steve Stanley and I were fortunate to have some copies of our new The Complete Gettysburg Guide to take to the cocktail hour of the annual muster of the Gettysburg Discussion Group. It was held at the 1863 Inn Gettysburg (formerly the Holiday Inn). I love the GDG folks - there's hardly a more knowledgable group of folks around, and we all love discussing Gettysburg. Members Chris Army and Sal Prezioso did yet another fabulous job organizing the muster. It was very nice seeing them again and many old friends - Dr. Laurence Schiller, Christ Liebegott to name a couple, and to listen to a very informative talk by GNMP Superintendant Dr. John Latschar. Many members bought copies of the book and loved the content and look of the book. Like the CWPT members, many couldn't wait to take Steve's maps out onto the battlefield.
On Saturday, I actually had a few free hours to spend touring the battlefield. I always lament that among most of my trips to Gettysburg, I don't always have much time to do that. I took advantage of a gorgeous day and made visits to the Lincoln Cemetery, South Cavalry Field, Little Round Top, The Wheatfield, The Angle, and Culp's Hill. Lots of folks, families and groups were out. I also took a little walk through the National Cemetery, something that always makes me think and clears my head.
After lunch, Sal Prezioso called to get a fourth copy of the book (thanks Sal!) that he was giving to someone as a gift. Sal and his wife Gail own Red Patch, the beautiful home along Confederate Avenue that was built in 1900 by Gen. Charles H. T. Collis. I drove over to Red Patch and enjoyed seeing the house again as we drank a couple fine cups of espresso in his kitchen. Sal then showed me some new acquisitions in his impressive library - even I am jealous of his collection! He showed me the latest research he'd done on the house, and some very interesting Civil War books he'd recently gotten. I think I spent about two hours with Sal, and loved every minute of it.
About 3:30, I needed to drive to nearby Fairfield to join a tour bus led by the great historian Ed Bearss. I was looking forward to hearing my friend Ed lead a tour of the July 3 cavalry battle there, one which I've studied for eons (there is a tour of the battle in the new book). I also knew that my buddy Dean Shultz would be along, and I looked forward to spending time with both of them. I arrive a bit early and stopped at the Marshall house in the middle of the battlefield, which is owned by Kevin and Kim Bream. Kevin's family history of the home helped immensely in The Guide, and we also reproduced a picture of cavalry veterans at the home that Kevin provided. Kevin wasn't home, but Kim loved the copy of the book I showed her, and I promised to send their copy once we get the regular shipment next week. Kim offered to have the busload of folks tour the property, but as it turned out there wouldn't be time.
As expected, Ed gave a wonderful tour and narrative of the Fairfield fight. I love listening to him, as does everyone. I learned quite a bit during his talk, which was the best 45 minutes on the battle I'd ever witnessed. I will incorporate much of his talk into my own future tours that I give of the battle. After his talk, Ed gave our new book a very nice plug. On Thursday, Steve and I gave Ed his personal copy of The Guide, and he told the group that that night he'd read the chapter on the June 26 skirmishes, and was able to look over the rest of the book. He thought it was simply wonderful, and that everyone interested in Gettysburg should have a copy of the book, because besides the main battlefield tours the book will take you to all the outlying battlefields and historical spots. He told the crowd the book was beautiful, and one cannot ask for better endorsements from such a respected historian. Steve and I are humbled by them.
That evening Steve and I signed several more books for members at the Wyndham Hotel at the CWPT Conference. Later I spent a couple great hours at the Reliance Mine Saloon with friends such as Jim Glessner and Raequel Fabio, Duane Siskey and Lori Krick. Jim manages the American History Store (the former Greystones store) at the intersection of Steinwehr Avenue and Baltimore. Jim is doing a fantastic job stocking the store with books, period maps, flags, DVDs - you name it. Whenever you're in town, you must stop in the store and check out everything he has. I also got to see battlefield guides Tim Smith and Garry Adelman (who purchased a copy of The Guide) as well as Bill Frassanito on Friday night. Bill really likes the acknowledgement we have about him in the book, and was really touched by it.
I was able to leave for home late morning today, so I arrived home about 4 pm. I brought the books I have into my office, and I will begin mailing out our website orders tomorrow (Monday). Those of you who have ordered The Guide now don't have long to wait.
As I was driving home, I talked to Steve, who had gone into the Gettysburg Visitor Center bookstore shortly after I'd left town. He spoke with Lisa, the manager of the bookstore, about the book and that they should have it in about a week or so. Lisa had told Steve that customers constantly ask if the book is available. She also related that earlier today, a man had come into the store looking for a copy of The Guide. He had seen folks around the field with the book (undoubtedly CWPT and GDG members, since only they have copies at the moment) and assumed that it was now available in stores. When Lisa explained to him that neither they or any other stores have it in stock yet, he actually became a bit belligerant. He insisted that it must be available somewhere - since he had seen people out using it - and that either someone was holding out on him (?) or perhaps the book was stored away somewhere and she didn't know it. I guess she finally convinced him that she didn't yet have it before he stormed away. Whoever the gentleman was, we're sorry that it just hasn't hit the stores yet and I wish fate had allowed us to run into him, for we certainly would have sold him one of the few copies we have left before the main shipment. I do hope he obtains one soon and that he is able to enjoy it on the field by next week.
This week was my third trip to Gettysburg already, and we're set to probably do book signings next week if the books arrive as expected. Steve and I will also be at the big Book Show toward the end of June at the All-Star Complex near Gettysburg, as well as at many signings around town over the anniversary week. After all these trips, I'm going to owe my sweet wife Karen a non-history related vacation trip...!
It was a fabulous weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many friends, making many, many new ones, and learning a great deal from historians at the Conference. Now it's back in the office, back to work, and several hours of packing up and shipping books to those who have ordered it from us. Very busy week ahead of me.
Incidentally, after Antietam National Battlefield chief historian Ted Alexander thoroughly looked over a copy of The Guide and was told that our next likely project is the guide for the Antietam Campaign, he offered to write the Foreword for it. Steve and I gladly accepted. We will cover Harpers Ferry, South Mountain, Antietam, Shepherdstown, and all points between. Those places and battlefields are among my very favorites, and we're looking forward to starting on it so that the book is available by next summer. Many Antietam rangers, historians, guides, and students have already "enlisted" to help us out, and we can't wait to get started!
On Saturday, I actually had a few free hours to spend touring the battlefield. I always lament that among most of my trips to Gettysburg, I don't always have much time to do that. I took advantage of a gorgeous day and made visits to the Lincoln Cemetery, South Cavalry Field, Little Round Top, The Wheatfield, The Angle, and Culp's Hill. Lots of folks, families and groups were out. I also took a little walk through the National Cemetery, something that always makes me think and clears my head.
After lunch, Sal Prezioso called to get a fourth copy of the book (thanks Sal!) that he was giving to someone as a gift. Sal and his wife Gail own Red Patch, the beautiful home along Confederate Avenue that was built in 1900 by Gen. Charles H. T. Collis. I drove over to Red Patch and enjoyed seeing the house again as we drank a couple fine cups of espresso in his kitchen. Sal then showed me some new acquisitions in his impressive library - even I am jealous of his collection! He showed me the latest research he'd done on the house, and some very interesting Civil War books he'd recently gotten. I think I spent about two hours with Sal, and loved every minute of it.
About 3:30, I needed to drive to nearby Fairfield to join a tour bus led by the great historian Ed Bearss. I was looking forward to hearing my friend Ed lead a tour of the July 3 cavalry battle there, one which I've studied for eons (there is a tour of the battle in the new book). I also knew that my buddy Dean Shultz would be along, and I looked forward to spending time with both of them. I arrive a bit early and stopped at the Marshall house in the middle of the battlefield, which is owned by Kevin and Kim Bream. Kevin's family history of the home helped immensely in The Guide, and we also reproduced a picture of cavalry veterans at the home that Kevin provided. Kevin wasn't home, but Kim loved the copy of the book I showed her, and I promised to send their copy once we get the regular shipment next week. Kim offered to have the busload of folks tour the property, but as it turned out there wouldn't be time.
As expected, Ed gave a wonderful tour and narrative of the Fairfield fight. I love listening to him, as does everyone. I learned quite a bit during his talk, which was the best 45 minutes on the battle I'd ever witnessed. I will incorporate much of his talk into my own future tours that I give of the battle. After his talk, Ed gave our new book a very nice plug. On Thursday, Steve and I gave Ed his personal copy of The Guide, and he told the group that that night he'd read the chapter on the June 26 skirmishes, and was able to look over the rest of the book. He thought it was simply wonderful, and that everyone interested in Gettysburg should have a copy of the book, because besides the main battlefield tours the book will take you to all the outlying battlefields and historical spots. He told the crowd the book was beautiful, and one cannot ask for better endorsements from such a respected historian. Steve and I are humbled by them.
That evening Steve and I signed several more books for members at the Wyndham Hotel at the CWPT Conference. Later I spent a couple great hours at the Reliance Mine Saloon with friends such as Jim Glessner and Raequel Fabio, Duane Siskey and Lori Krick. Jim manages the American History Store (the former Greystones store) at the intersection of Steinwehr Avenue and Baltimore. Jim is doing a fantastic job stocking the store with books, period maps, flags, DVDs - you name it. Whenever you're in town, you must stop in the store and check out everything he has. I also got to see battlefield guides Tim Smith and Garry Adelman (who purchased a copy of The Guide) as well as Bill Frassanito on Friday night. Bill really likes the acknowledgement we have about him in the book, and was really touched by it.
I was able to leave for home late morning today, so I arrived home about 4 pm. I brought the books I have into my office, and I will begin mailing out our website orders tomorrow (Monday). Those of you who have ordered The Guide now don't have long to wait.
As I was driving home, I talked to Steve, who had gone into the Gettysburg Visitor Center bookstore shortly after I'd left town. He spoke with Lisa, the manager of the bookstore, about the book and that they should have it in about a week or so. Lisa had told Steve that customers constantly ask if the book is available. She also related that earlier today, a man had come into the store looking for a copy of The Guide. He had seen folks around the field with the book (undoubtedly CWPT and GDG members, since only they have copies at the moment) and assumed that it was now available in stores. When Lisa explained to him that neither they or any other stores have it in stock yet, he actually became a bit belligerant. He insisted that it must be available somewhere - since he had seen people out using it - and that either someone was holding out on him (?) or perhaps the book was stored away somewhere and she didn't know it. I guess she finally convinced him that she didn't yet have it before he stormed away. Whoever the gentleman was, we're sorry that it just hasn't hit the stores yet and I wish fate had allowed us to run into him, for we certainly would have sold him one of the few copies we have left before the main shipment. I do hope he obtains one soon and that he is able to enjoy it on the field by next week.
This week was my third trip to Gettysburg already, and we're set to probably do book signings next week if the books arrive as expected. Steve and I will also be at the big Book Show toward the end of June at the All-Star Complex near Gettysburg, as well as at many signings around town over the anniversary week. After all these trips, I'm going to owe my sweet wife Karen a non-history related vacation trip...!
It was a fabulous weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many friends, making many, many new ones, and learning a great deal from historians at the Conference. Now it's back in the office, back to work, and several hours of packing up and shipping books to those who have ordered it from us. Very busy week ahead of me.
Incidentally, after Antietam National Battlefield chief historian Ted Alexander thoroughly looked over a copy of The Guide and was told that our next likely project is the guide for the Antietam Campaign, he offered to write the Foreword for it. Steve and I gladly accepted. We will cover Harpers Ferry, South Mountain, Antietam, Shepherdstown, and all points between. Those places and battlefields are among my very favorites, and we're looking forward to starting on it so that the book is available by next summer. Many Antietam rangers, historians, guides, and students have already "enlisted" to help us out, and we can't wait to get started!
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