Description:

The tall ship Friends Good Will and the War of 1812 on the Great Lakes come to vivid life in this well-researched historical volume by James Spurr. Book 1 Great Lakes, Great Guns Historical Series, Sworn for Mackinaw begins in pre-war Detroit with business and family man Oliver Williams and his brother-in-law, Captain William Lee. Both men stake their futures on a new venture: the fast sailing sloop Friends Good Will. When war erupts it causes tension between friends, strains on blood bonds, and the unforeseen peril of carrying a secret cargo that may change the entire course of history. -Sworn for Mackinaw is a dramatic tale told with a seaman's voice that is clear and strong. James Spurr writes with the confidence of one who knows first hand what it means to make landfall after a hard passage. ~ Gordon Laco, Historian and Lead Technical Advisor on Russell Crowe's film Master and Commander, the Far Side of the World. -James Spurr gives flesh, sinew and blood to the bare bones historical facts of a little known period of naval warfare on the North American Great Lakes. His attention to detail and knowledge of the larger context of world events will delight history buffs. His lively descriptions of action and adventure will grab lovers of stories from the days of fighting sail. His sensitive rendering of the relationships between the characters will appeal to the hearts of all. Readers may put the book down, but they will carry Oliver and Mary, William and Be-mo-se with them wherever they go. ~ Fred Neuschel, Vice President and Chairperson for Research and Publication for the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History.

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