Book details:
Book Title: The World Turn’d Upside Down
Series: Volume 2 of 4 of Creating a Republic the American Way
Author: Seth Irving Handaside
Publication Date: November 30th, 2024
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 287
@cathie.dunn1 @thecoffeepotbookclub
@themenwhochooseliberty @thecoffeepotbookclub
"The World Turned Upside Down" takes readers on an exhilarating journey through one of history's most transformative periods.
This masterful work of historical fiction follows the audacious British-American colonists, known as the Founders, as they boldly rise against the mightiest empire of their time:England. Their unprecedented struggle challenged the status quo and reshaped the foundation of global politics and human rights, ushering in the era of democracy. As the narrative unfolds with rich, immersive detail and dynamic characters, the story poses a profound question: after securing their hard-won liberty, could they preserve and nurture the fragile promise of a new world?
This compelling tale captures the spirit of revolution and the enduring quest for freedom.
Historium Press Links:
Paperback: https://geni.us/fEnY
Hardcover: https://geni.us/vfmydM
At his temporary home in the Parisian suburb of Passy, Benjamin Franklin, as one of the Commissioners of America to France, entertained de Vergennes, the French Foreign Minister, and Pierre Beaumarchais, a Frenchman of many talents: a playwright, musician, diplomat, spy, publisher, watchmaker, inventor, horticulturist, and an arms dealer.
Franklin notably led the two Frenchmen to continue to give valuable aid to the rebellious American Colonies. Recent news informed him that Philadelphia and New York were securely in British hands, and he was trying to imagine what it was like to be in Washington’s shoes; realizing he would never know, he poured his guests another glass of Chardonnay.
Beaumarchais left the bottom of the wine glass firmly planted on the table. He made a few circles with the base while de Vergennes picked up the wine glass and slightly flicked his wrist, making little circles in the air.
Turning his head, Franklin was overly showy with his swirling, making grandiose motions like he was getting ready to lasso a steer.
The Frenchmen rewarded his gesture by narrowing their eyes and letting out a slight snicker.
“My friends,” said Franklin, “it is not like you to be quiet and shy.”
“It is a story of Eighteenth-Century intrigue,” said Beaumarchais.
“Not because of the French ministers,” said de Vergennes, “who desire to promote the cause of democracy.”
“I understand,” said Franklin, “you desire to embarrass your neighbor and ancient enemy, his Britannic Majesty.”
“Yes,” pronounced de Vergennes, “but still preserving all of the forms and proprieties of strict neutrality.”
Franklin opened his lips. “You enjoy working behind the scenes.”
“As it is necessary to camouflage our American operations, I turned to the ingenuity of Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, one of the arch intriguers of the Eighteenth Century.”
“We formed,” said Beaumarchais, “a commercial corporation known as Hortalex& Company that entered into the business of shipping arms and munitions to America.” Franklin grimaced, “But some were lost at sea, and the British captured some.”
“More serious losses occur in the Continental Army itself. It lacks organization, discipline, and administrative experience,” said Beaumarchais.
“To such a man as Count St. Germain,” said de Vergennes. “The American crisis diagnosis is simple. The American commander needs competent technical advice.”
“Washington is an able and forceful leader, but he was not a trained soldier,” added Beaumarchais. “He needs a staff officer trained in the practical business methods of conducting war.”
“It was just while St. Germain was considering this need with me,” said de Vergennes, “that his old acquaintance, Baron von Steuben, came to Paris in quest of employment.”
Looking at Franklin, “Here was the man Hortalez& Company should send to Washington. The Baron was not an officer of high rank, but Comte de-Saint Germain had known him for years.”
“But the American commissioners are not empowered to make any contract on behalf of the Continental Congress or promise him suitable rank or pay.
“When the front door is closed,” said Beaumarchais, “one must find another alternative.”
“So many European adventurers have gone to America that Congress has become disgusted and has instructed the commissioners not to encourage any others,” said Franklin.
De Vergennes winked, “The Baron should not seek to make any terms with the American.
Growing up in Putnam County in the town of Putnam Valley, named after General Israel Putnam, Seth Irving Handaside walked its roads.
He explored the hills and valleys that American rebels tread. But, he often thought,what would have done when the head of the state, King George III of England, ignored his rights and the rule of law?
Would he have marched to the tune of the revolution and been in a regiment commanded by General Putnam or sided with the loyalists?
Fascinated by American history since elementary school, politics runs in his veins. He has spent the last ten years researching and reading about the founding fathers and settled on six men, three boys not yet twenty, and three Virginians who risked having their necks stretched to make the American dream a reality.
Author Links:
Website: https://themenwhochooseliberty.com/
Publisher Website: https://www.historiumpress.com/seth-irving-handaside
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Seth-Irving-Handaside/author/B0BN6HS9NB
Tour hosted by: The Coffee Pot Book Club
Thanks so much for hosting Seth Irving Handaside today, with an enticing excerpt from his new novel, The World Turn'd Upside Down.
Take care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club