Nathan Hale + M. William Phelps = A Winning New Book
Few Americans know much more about Revolutionary War patriot Nathan Hale than his famous last words: “I only regret that I have but one life left to give for my country.”
Who was the real person of Nathan Hale, however? Did he actually utter this seemingly scripted and poetic final line? How was Hale captured? Did he get drunk and give himself up? Did he set the City of New York on fire? Did Gen. Washington shun Hale?
In this presidential election year, the political climate has become extremely hostile and cantankerous. The mudslinging has made for a democratic system in a state of absolute turmoil. What better way to celebrate the political season, which has become historical in and of itself, than by taking a look back at what started it all.
Nathan Hale is considered the idyllic symbol of patriotism—as red, white and blue as you can get. Ask most who this important man in American history is, however, and you’re apt to get a litany of wild and whacky answers.
“ ‘Wasn’t he that guy who chopped down a cherry tree,’ one man I asked told me,” author M. William Phelps says. “I heard other answers, too, even more bizarre. The most obvious conclusion I drew from this was that no one truly knows who Nathan Hale is, what he did, and why we should honor his memory.”
Now, NATHAN HALE: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy (published September 16, 2008; Thomas Dunne Books), answers those questions and sets the historical record straight.
Booklist raves, saying “… Phelps has written an informative, interesting biography of Hale that effectively reveals the flesh-and-blood human behind the iconic image. Clearly an admirer of Hale, he has written nothing that detracts from Hale’s reputation; instead, he has provided a nuanced portrait … using Hale’s own correspondence, [Phelps] clears up some of the murky details surrounding Hale’s spying, arrest, and execution. This is a well-done, balanced account of a short but interesting life.
Kirkus Reviews says, “Phelps delves deeply into the comportment and character of Nathan Hale … [and] provides useful perspective on 18th-century mores that made spies like Hale initially reviled by both sides .”
Do yourself a favor…check out a terrific book about a real American hero.
September 16th, 2008 at 3:43 am
You’re back, you’re back! (Does a war dance of joy). Hi, guys, it’s so good to hear from again! Love you both!
September 16th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Tries to be sensible now…I’ve just bought it Matt, because I love the American Revolution and I’m sure it will be a great book. Best of luck with it
September 16th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Fiz, you are so nice! But we’re not REALLY back. I just couldn’t resist putting up a post that told the world Matt’s new book is out. I know you’ll love it!
gregg
September 16th, 2008 at 8:02 am
September 17th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Thanks for that, Gregg! You always say nice things about me and my work! I appreciate it.
Mathew
September 17th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Well, it was good to see something new,and especially from you, Gregg! Hope you guys are both doing well, but I sure do miss this site and yearn for its return! The book sounds great, Matt!
September 19th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Wow, I just checked because I miss you guys so much. Not so much a history fan, but I will defintitely check this out!
Love and miss you guys so much.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
What?!? A new post and a new book. Life just gets better and better.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
YIPEE!! A NEW post…I knew you’d break down…I MAY have to read this…Break down again!!!SOON!
September 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
my son lives in an apartment building in new london ct that stands where nathan hale once lived.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
A new post! Yipee. I will check out the new book. I just logged on to tell Matt, I just finished your book, “because you love me.” An excellent read. I could not put this book down, and missed a good nights sleep.
It was worth it!
September 25th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Excellent, Matt. Looks interesting and something I’ll definitely read.
October 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Well, even though I am sad that you won’t be posting more, I will be looking for this book soon.
Matt, does this mean I need to do another road trip to NJ for a book signing?
October 16th, 2008 at 6:51 am
cool im happy people are writng about my grea great great six genertions uncle.
yes i am and proved to be a relitive of nathan hale
November 16th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Woo hoo! Congrats on the new book, Matt. I am most assured that it is as well written as the rest of your books and cannot wait to get a copy. Amazon, here I come!
I do love history, thus my penchant for visiting New England couple times a year. Will be there again in April and stopping by to see Mrs. Borelli as I always do when I am in CT.
Again, all the best to you both and I do hope that CR does come back eventually… so much crime, so little time…
November 16th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Woo hoo! Congrats on the new book, Matt. I am most assured that it is as well written as the rest of your books and cannot wait to get a copy.
I do love history, thus my penchant for visiting New England couple times a year. Will be there again in April and stopping by to see Mrs. Borelli as I always do when I am in CT.
Again, all the best to you both and I do hope that CR does come back eventually. So much crime, so little time…
December 7th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Watch M. William Phelps on C-SPAN2, Book TV talk about Nathan Hale and his book. The show is avaible for viewing on the Net at the following link. http://tinyurl.com/6d3wwy
December 14th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I saw that interview!!
Isn’t it amazing!!!
YOU can’t get rid of us!!
December 16th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Matt drops in on In Cold Blog today with a little update for readers as to what he’s been up to. http://tinyurl.com/5myewl
January 17th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Matt’s talking about “teen killers” over at In Cold Blog today. http://tinyurl.com/7p3n3b
February 4th, 2009 at 5:40 am
Matt is over at In Cold Blog today sharing an exclusive excerpt from his new book, DEADLY SECRETS.
http://tinyurl.com/c6lhft
March 6th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
salmon fishing
This is a good post that many of you should enjoy. In fact the whole blog is interesting…
March 26th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
You must be a woman.
April 12th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Matt and Gregg
Sooo glad you are writing at Crime Rant again!
I have missed you.
I will be checking in regularly. Promise.