Bringing History Alive

My new blog is a “blog within a blog” and is based on a recent radio interview I did with Bookmark Radio in Denver.

By Michael Scott, co-host of Bookmark Radio

USS Constellation and L'Insurgente

What better way to learn about the early history of our country than with a series of engrossing novels that also get the facts right and weave in the actual historical figures who played pivotal roles during this era? That’s what it’s all about for Bill Hammond, author of the Cutler Family Chronicles, a series of nautical / historical fiction novels that are meticulously researched and thoroughly vetted.

Bill was my guest on Bookmark Radio on Monday, April 16.  (I was flying solo—my co-host Wendy was not able to make the show but she contributed by texting in some very good questions!)  You can hear the interview online here. The fourth book in his series, A Call to Arms, is scheduled for release in November by the Naval Institute Press in Annapolis, MD. Bill is working diligently on the fifth volume.

The Cutler Family Chronicles cover the years 1774 through 1815 as seen through the eyes of the Cutler family, which has residences in both England and New England, and also on the island of Barbados.  In the first book, A Matter of Honor, protagonist Richard Cutler is a Massachusetts teenager who joins the Continental Navy to avenge the death of his brother, who in turn had been pressed into service by the British. Each book stands alone, but I recommend reading them all in order since the characters evolve throughout the series.

It was almost inevitable that Bill would take on this mammoth literary project.  He grew up in Massachusetts on Cape Ann (“fifty feet from the ocean”) and learned to sail at age eight. His family was very literary and all were voracious readers.  Bill loved history and was a college history major. It all ties together so well!

Interest in nautical fiction, a subcategory of historical fiction, is growing according to Bill. He points out there are many excellent writers in this genre including C.S. Forester and Patrick O’Brian. The Cutler Family Chronicles tell the story of this era from the American perspective (the Continental Navy and the U.S. Navy) rather than the more common British viewpoint.

Look for the books from the Cutler Family Chronicles in your local bookstore and, of course, through Amazon and other on-line sources. Be sure to check out Bill’s website, www.bill-hammond.com, if only to see the beautiful cover artwork on these books!  My thanks to Bill Hammond for taking the time to join us on Book Mark Radio!

Michael Scott is co-host of the weekly radio show, Bookmark Radio.  www.bookmarkradio.com. It is on air live at 4:00 MDT in Denver, Colorado.  Follow the show on Twitter: @BookmarkRadio.  Please “LIKE” the show at www.facebook.com/bookmarkradio