Powderkeg: A Novel [Paperback]

Leo Gordon (Author), Richard Vetterli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1993

Gunslinging saint Porter Rockwell and a small band of Brigham Young's finest against 3000 U.S. Army Regulars in 1857 Utah. Based on a true story.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Screenwriter Gordon and Brigham Young University professor Vetterli debut in the historical fiction genre with this intriguing tale based on a real incident. The time is 1857-1858, during the presidency of James Buchanan. Secessionists abound in the nation's capital, including Secretary of War John B. Floyd. The ringleader of a conspiracy which includes Mississippi senator Jefferson Davis, Floyd launches a scheme to weaken the army by sending 30,000 troops to Utah to put down a fictitious rebellion by Mormon settlers. The real purpose of the expedition, led by future Confederate general Albert Sidney Johnston, is to gain control of Salt Lake City so that Johnston and his troops are in position to take California when the South secedes. An important moment in antebellum history is effectively recreated through appealing characterizations and the judicious use of background detail. If the authors employ many cliches of the historical romance, they also shed light on a dramatic juncture in our nation's development.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

A historical novel about the little-known "Utah War" of 1857. President Buchanan, influenced by his Southern cabinet members and false reports from crooked federal officials, orders a mammoth army to Utah to crush a nonexistent rebellion. The leader of the army is southerner Albert Johnston, later a Confederate general. Porter Rockwell is picked by Brigham Young to stall the army's advance to Salt Lake City without bloodshed, so that winter can take its natural toll. Rockwell's companion, Lot, is his rival for the affections of fiery Scottish immigrant Anne. The real purpose of the army's expedition is to go from Utah to California and create sympathy for secession. This epic novel is filled with wildly exciting scenes, romance, and an amazing mingling of historical and fictional characters. The authors are a screenwriter and a Utah professor, respectively. Most readable and highly recommended.
- Robert H. Donahugh, formerly with Youngstown & Mahoning Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Presidio Press (June 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891415068
• ISBN-13: 978-0891415060
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,836,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powderkeg, July 30, 2000

By 

Neil McMullin (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Powderkeg: A Novel (Paperback)

This novel could be coined the X-files of the 1850's. There is suspense, intrigue and lots of action. This book is well written and tickles the imagination of any history buff.