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In late 2010, having volunteered to assist Drum Barracks Civil War Museum in Wilmington, California, with research in pro-secession activity in California, director Susan Ogle handed me a list of names, places and events for possible investigation. One of those names was that of Dan Showalter, a California politician turned Confederate cavalry officer of whom I'd never heard.

Becoming fascinated just after reading the barest outline of Showalter's life, the next year found me hunting down everything I could find about this largely forgotten character. When I had finished my research -- which included the discovery of several previously unpublished items as well as obtaining the only known photograph from a Showalter descendent -- I had so much material that Susan exclaimed, "You've got a whole exhibit right here!"

And with her guidance, on November 5, 2011, co-curated by myself and Susan Ogle, my "Dan Showalter: California's Arch Rebel" exhibit went on display at the Drum.

Now being slated for removal in August 2012 in that ongoing round of ever-successive new exhibits that mark good museums, I've started this website as a place where, over time, I can memorialize and expand upon all the material accumulated on this remarkable Californian.

Hope you'll return often as this website expands and enjoy!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Publication is on course! Big announcements!

We are pleased to announce that our publisher, McFarland, has agreed to title the upcoming book "An Arch Rebel Like Myself": Dan Showalter and the Civil War in California and Texas.This is particularly good news for us in that that was our own first choice of titles (publishers have the right of final choice on titles). The subtitle certainly identifies Showalter as the subject and highlights those historical arenas with which he is primarily identified, but the quote used as the title itself is Dan Showalter's own self-description, from a wonderful letter written by him to Anna Forman of California in 1864.

We have also received an endorsement of the book from Dr. Jerry D. Thompson. During our later research, Gene made contact and consulted with Dr. Thompson inasmuch as he is a noted historian of the Civil War and the Southwest (over 20 books published), a past President of the Texas State Historical Association, and the Regents Professor of History of the Texas A&M University system. After reading our manuscript, Dr. Thompson wrote:

          "This stunning historical inquiry into the pugnacious life and
          times of Dan Showalter is ambitious in scope and fascinating
          in its contents. The authors paint a panoramic view of the
          Southwest borderlands in those tumultuous Civil War years
          without losing sight of the details of the life of an absolutely
          fascinating individual. This meticulously researched and
          compelling story is likely to keep the reader captivated.
          Needless to say, this masterful and definitive study is highly
          recommended."

Endorsements of this type are typically used, in whole or in part, in publisher promotions to reviewers and booksellers, and may also appear on the back covers of books. Gene and I are extremely honored to have received such a strong endorsement from such a noted historian and author.

In addition to approval of the title, McFarland has also reviewed and approved the permissions we obtained for illustrations. McFarland is moving steadily toward publication; based upon Gene's prior publication experience with them, we remain hopeful that "An Arch Rebel Like Myself": Dan Showalter and the Civil War in California and Texas will be released prior to the end of this year.

This blog will continue to update you on the progress of publication of this first biography of Dan Showalter. Once again, if you would like personal notification upon the book's publication, please send a comment to this blog including your valid email address. All comments are moderated before being posted on this blog, and I will not post any comment received that contains email or personal identification information.
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2 comments:

  1. AndyFebruary 16, 2018 at 11:10 AM

    I can't wait! This is a story made for Hollywood. It will complement some of the excellent work now being done on the Civil War in the Far West.
    Andrew Masich
    Civil War in the Southwest Borderlands (Univ. of Okla. Press, 2017)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob ArcontiFebruary 16, 2018 at 12:35 PM

      Thank you for your nice comment. Needless to say, we agree, and are anxiously awaiting release as well. I should also mention that your book "The Civil War in Arizona" was utilized in our research and cited in our bibliography. Thank you for that as well.

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