Charleston
by John Jakes
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Description
Charleston follows the lives, loves, and shifting fortunes of the Bells -- saints and evil-doers mingled in one unforgettable family -- from the American Revolution through the turbulent antebellum years to the Civil War and the savage defeat of the Confederacy. Delving into our country's history as only he can, Jakes paints a powerful portrait of the Charleston aristocracy who zealously guarded their privilege and position, harboring dark family secrets that threatened to destroy them all. show more Sweeping from the bitterly divided Carolina frontier of the 1770s through the tragic destruction of the city during the Civil War, Charleston represents America's premier storyteller at his very best. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
Once more, John Jakes gives us a novel where a man happens to love a beautiful but evil woman, which causes great unhappiness, and her evil evil blood passes down the generations, while the hero's blood are all noble and good and gay. Oh, and let's not forget the sexity sex sex. This is a truly abominable book, and anyone that can take it off my hands is more than welcome to.
I so enjoy John Jakes. And I got an extra tickle from this one because he refers to a few of his other books in it.
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Author Information
267+ Works 20,416 Members
John Jakes was born in Chicago in 1932. He studied acting at Northwestern University, where he began writing professionally during his freshman year. Later he enrolled in a creative writing program at DePauw University and received a master's degree in American literature from Ohio State University. Early in his career Jakes wrote copy for a show more pharmaceutical company and various ad agencies, and authored dozens of short stories encompassing western, mystery and science fiction themes. In March 1973, Jakes commenced work on The Kent Family Chronicles, a multi-volume set portraying American history through the lives of a fictional family. Later works include North and South (1982), California Gold (1989), Homeland (1993), and American Dreams. Six of his major novels have been filmed as television miniseries, and North and South remains one of the highest rated miniseries in the history of television. Jakes is actively involved in the adaptation of North and South for the Broadway stage. John Jakes has been hailed as the godfather of the historical novel, and America's history teacher. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Awards and Honors
Distinctions
Common Knowledge
- Important places
- Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Important events
- American Revolution; American Civil War
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 630
- Popularity
- 46,121
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.67)
- Languages
- English, French, German
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 24
- ASINs
- 6
