The Wages of Fame [Mass Market Paperback]

Thomas Fleming (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999

This sequel to "Remember the Morning, " set between 1827 and the onset of the Civil War, recounts the romantic and political exploits of Hugh Stapleton's grandson, George, and his powerful circle of friends.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Too much history, and not enough fiction, mars this continuation of the Stapleton family saga (after Remember the Morning) from 1827 to 1861. The three main characters?George Stapleton, Hudson Valley land-heir and politician; Caroline Kemple Stapleton, the woman he marries, whose indomitable desire for fame and power becomes her spiritual and moral undoing; and John Sladen, George's friend, who becomes Caroline's lover and partner in crime?interact with a veritable who's who of presidents, politicians, generals and women whose fame and influence emanate from their husbands' roles as statesmen and leaders. Fleming appeals to female readers with his contention that the women behind the prominent men in politics were the primary forces who shaped our history. Unfortunately, the historian who chronicles significant events, important battles and internecine controversies (of which there are an abundance) overshadows the novelist who might have written another formidable Stapleton family epic. $100,000 ad/promo. (Sept.) FYI: Remember the Morning will be published simultaneously in mass market.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Fleming continues the epic saga of the Stapleton clan in this fiery sequel to Remember the Morning. This riveting narrative, set between 1827 and the onset of the Civil War, recounts the romantic and political exploits of Hugh Stapleton's grandson, George, and his powerful circle of friends. George Stapleton, heir to a vast family fortune, and John Sladen, an impoverished yet shrewd political hopeful, forsake their friendship, becoming bitter rivals for the attentions of an intelligent and seemingly elusive beauty. Although George eventually prevails and marries Caroline Kemble, their youthful triangle continues to haunt all three of them, culminating in disastrous results for both themselves and the nation. Coerced into government by the force of his wife's burning political ambitions, George becomes a political pawn in a delicate behind-the-scenes chess game waged by Caroline and Senator John Sladen. As the U.S. is drawn into the war with Mexico, the ill-advised actions of Caroline and John have dire long-range consequences for the well-being of the Union. Margaret Flanagan --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Forge (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812571827
• ISBN-13: 978-0812571820
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,061,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"How do you write a book?" 24 year old Thomas Fleming asked bestselling writer Fulton Oursler in 1951. "Write four pages a day," Oursler said. "Every day except Sunday. Whether you feel like it or not. Inspiration consists of putting the seat of your pants on the chair at your desk." Fleming has followed this advice to good effect. His latest effort, "The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers," is his 50th published book. Twenty three of them have been novels. He is the only writer in the history of the Book of the Month Club to have main selections in fiction and in nonfiction. Many have won prizes. Recently he received the Burack Prize from Boston University for lifetime achievement. In nonfiction he has specialized in the American Revolution. He sees Intimate Lives as a perfect combination of his double talent as a novelist and historian. "Novelists focus on the imtimate side of life. This is the first time anyone has looked at the intimate side of the lives of these famous Americans, with an historian's eyes." Fleming was born in Jersey City, the son of a powerful local politician. He has had a lifetime interest in American politics. He also wrote a history of West Point which the New York Times called "the best...ever written." Military history is another strong interest. He lives in New York with his wife, Alice Fleming, who is a gifted writer of books for young readers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Dull, dull, dull!!, August 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wages of Fame (Mass Market Paperback)

While I admire the historical background of this novel, I couldn't believe how unbearable dull it was! I couldn't believe this was written by the same man who wrote LIBERTY TAVERN, THE OFFICERS' WIVES and THE SPOILS OF WAR. What a disappointment!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A genunine feeling nineteenth century historical fiction, September 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wages of Fame (Hardcover)

In 1827, Columbia University students Jeremy Biddle, George Stapleton, and John Sladen had become the freres trois for their close friendship. However, their harmony is destroyed when Jeremy's Ohio cousin, Caroline Kemble, arrives in town. Upon disembarking, Caroline introduces her cousin and his two friends to former President Monroe, who sailed on the same ship. Soon Jeremy's two buddies compete for Caroline's regard. Undecided between the two obviously different suitors, Caroline heeds the advice of George's wily grandfather, Hugh Stapleton, who convinces her that she could be a major force if she marries George, who has a major political future ahead of him. Caroline also has an affair with John, which leads to a child.

While George and Caroline marry, Jeremy pays John to leave town. In 1832, George becomes the senator from New Jersey with Caroline being the true power behind the scenes. John has become a major player in southern politics. Over the next several decades, their paths will cross as slavery takes center stage throughout the nation.

Renowned historian Thomas Fleming scribes a fascinating novel centering on the decades between the end of the Monroe presidency to the Civil War. The Stapletons remain an intriguing political family and the genuine use of real figures and events add much flavor to the crisp story line. Unlike REMEMBER THE MORNING, THE WAGES OF FLAME falls a bit short because the three primary characters never seem to come across as real as the secondary cast, including the glimpses of historical personage. Still, fans of Americana fiction will relish Mr. Fleming's latest saga.

Harriet Klausner

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific work of historical fiction, August 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wages of Fame (Hardcover)

In 1827, Columbia University students Jeremy Biddle, George Stapleton, and John Sladen had become the freres trois for their close friendship. However, their harmony is destroyed when Jeremy's Ohio cousin, Caroline Kemble, arrives in town. Upon disembarking, Caroline introduces her cousin and his two friends to former President Monroe, who sailed on the same ship. Soon Jeremy's two buddies compete for Caroline's regard. Undecided between the two obviously different suitors, Caroline heeds the advice of George's wily grandfather, Hugh Stapleton, who convinces her that she could be a major force if she marries George, who has a major political future ahead of him. Caroline also has an affair with John, which leads to a child.

While George and Caroline marry, Jeremy pays John to leave town. In 1832, George becomes the senator from New Jersey with Caroline being the true power behind the scenes. John has become a major player in southern politics. Over the next several decades, their paths will cross as slavery takes center stage throughout the nation.

Renowned historian Thomas Fleming scribes a fascinating novel centering on the decades between the end of the Monroe presidency to the Civil War. The Stapletons remain an intriguing political family and the genuine use of real figures and events add much flavor to the crisp story line. Unlike REMEMBER THE MORNING, THE WAGES OF FLAME falls a bit short because the three primary characters never seem to come across as real as the secondary cast, including the glimpses of historical personage. Still, fans of Americana fiction will relish Mr. Fleming's latest saga.

Harriet Klausner