As the Confederacy felt itself slipping beneath the Union juggernaut in late 1864; the South launched a desperate counteroffensive to shatter the U.S. economy and force a standoff. Its secret weapon? A state-of-the-art raiding ship whose mission was to prowl the world’s oceans and sink the U.S. merchant fleet. The raider’s name was Shenandoah; and her executive officer was Conway Whittle; a twenty-four-year-old warrior who might have stepped from the pages of Arthurian legend. Whittle would share command with a dark and brooding veteran of the seas; Capt. James Waddell; and together with a crew of strays; misfits; and strangers; they would spend nearly a year sailing two-thirds of the way around the globe; destroying dozens of Union ships and taking more than a thousand prisoners; all while continually dodging the enemy.Then; in August of 1865; a British ship revealed the shocking truth to the men of Shenandoah: The war had been over for months; and they were now being hunted as pirates. What ensued was an incredible 15;000-mile journey to the one place the crew hoped to find sanctuary; only to discover that their fate would depend on how they answered a single question. Wondrously evocative and filled with drama and poignancy; Last Flag Down is a riveting story of courage; nobility; and rare comradeship forged in the quest to achieve the impossible.
#90857 in Books Dennis Covington 2009-08-11 2009-08-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .75 x 5.50l; .66 #File Name: 0306818361288 pagesSalvation on Sand Mountain Snake Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An Amazing TestimonialBy Mitch GarciaMr. Covington presents a unique insight to this religious subculture's lifestyle. Although the reader may think this is a story about snake handlers; it is Moreton journey of the writer's self-discovery. Through this literary approach the reader understands in greater depth the inner spirituality of these champions of their religious faith. At first I couldn't understand why the story turned inward toward authors own upbringing. But as the book continued; I was riveted as the author finds himself as one of them. I also enjoyed the author's writing style which made the book less a documentary and more of a story of a people committed to their cause.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very interesting expositionBy Kirk W. McculloughThis is a fascinating explanation of the social and religious aspects of snake handling. I still have trouble with the longer endings of Mark; but I have a bit more understanding now.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Peculiar in a good way.By TimaeusIt's a very peculiar reading for sure. The gist of it is that there are snake handlers who interpret the bible literally; and they drink poison and act basically like "war soldiers". Their language is rather funny; and their lack of depth is so sad! This journalist slowly tries to empathize with them; and even does some of the things they do. Does he become one of them? You'll have to read to find out! :)
