Author Description

Writer James Funkturns the spotlight on Charleston, SC, and the city comes out as the 'hero'. This historical non-fiction has all elements of a 'must read' for anyone interested in the city's glorious 300-year history, like the city's 3 million annual tourists, or history buffs, or anyone just interested in life in the old South. It is an easy read, employing story-telling at its best, by weaving past with present in a refreshing, new and creative approach. It can be argued that Charleston has been the most influential city in America during early years of this country's history. Charleston has survived shelling of two great armies, and their occupation...first, by the British during the Revolution, and later by Federal forces during their siege and occupation in the Civil War. Fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and deadly disease have also devastated the city. But, time and again, its citizens have rebuilt, until Charleston stands today as a national treasure. It is that strength of character and resiliency of its citizens that makes 'heroes' of this story. History textbooks place more emphasis on events occurring in places like Philadelphia, Boston, Lexington, Yorktown, and Gettysburg. But, James Funk sets about to change some of that, and expand people's knowledge of the influential role Charleston played in the Revolution and Civil War. He does that by avoiding dull and monotonous recitations, as found in most history textbooks. Instead, events are painted in real-life terms from the unique perspective of individuals on the scene, asking the reader to 'imagine' what it was like. The adventure begins when 'Marilyn and Jim' arrive as new residents of the city and learn of the city's rich history by visiting historic areas and 'imagining' what it was like to 'live' those events. The story moves quickly, made lively by known twists of irony, anecdotes, and humor. Story's cadence is changed, avoiding the monotonous beat of most historical 'te