Kansas' only major Civil War-era general. Despite his absence from most Civil War histories, Union general James Gilpatrick Blunt was an immensely successful leader. He and John Brown helped escaped slaves reach Canada; he led the defeat of Confederate troops at Fort Wayne, Prairie Grove, and Cane Hill. Though his successful military campaigns were well-reported and he was viewed as a hero, Blunt was also accused of corruption, womanizing, and was known for his egotistical tirades throughout his military career. This biography gives perspective on the western frontier of the Civil War, along with some insight into the behavior of an important general in the West.
Robert L. Collins was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1965 and presently lives in Andover. He is the author of three science fiction novels: "Expert Assistance," "Lisa's Way," and "Monitor." In addition to books, he's sold stories to periodicals such as Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine; Tales of the Talisman; Golden Visions; and Sorcerous Signals. He has over 85 total short story sales as of March 2011.
Mr. Collins is also the author of "Kansas, 1874," a history of an exciting year in the Sunflower State. He's the author of several railroad books, including "Kansas Train Tales" and "Ghost Railroads of Kansas." He is also the author of two biographies of early Kansans: Senator Jim Lane, of "Bleeding Kansas" fame; and General James G. Blunt, Civil War general. He's sold nonfiction articles to publications such as Wild West; Territorial Magazine; Working Writer; and Model Railroader. He placed first once in the annual historical essay contest held by the Butler County Historical Society, tied for first once, came in second place four times, and came in third once. He has around 125 article sales as of March 2011.
