FREDERICK READS!

Author James L. Swanson to Visit Frederick

Frederick, Md. --- A local coalition of organizations, formed to foster a love of reading, confirms that one of the most celebrated authors of 2006 will visit Frederick and make several free public appearances. The group, Frederick READS, confirms that James L. Swanson, author of “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer,” will discuss his book, his meticulous research, and the turbulent era. He will make three appearances in Frederick on Wednesday, April 11 and Thursday, April 12.

Book clubs and individuals across the county are invited to attend any of Mr. Swanson’s appearances, and many are taking advantage by reading “Manhunt” now. Swanson’s story, while entirely factual, reads like a fast-paced thriller. The story begins with Washington D.C.’s unbridled joy at the end of the Civil War, but quickly delves into the sorrow, fear, danger and fury that gripped the nation for nearly two weeks before one of the nation’s most prominent actors, John Wilkes Booth, was captured.

This New York Times bestseller has no shortage of fans and has been optioned for a major motion picture release in the future. According to historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin, "James Swanson has written a terrific narrative of the hunt for Lincoln's killers that will mesmerize the reader from start to finish, just as the actual manhunt mesmerized the entire nation. It is a triumphant book" Bestselling author Patricia Cornwell agrees: "Brilliant! Absolutely haunting….Swanson's amazing account places you in the room as Lincoln lies dying and carries you across the countryside as Booth escapes. This historical book is almost impossible to put down."

“Manhunt” is available at Frederick County Public Libraries and at bookstores everywhere. Mr. Swanson is scheduled to speak at Frederick Community College, Hood College and at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center. Updates on the author’s visit, as well as information on complementary local activities, are available at www.frederickreads.org.

About James L. Swanson:

James L. Swanson, the author of the New York Times bestseller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, is an attorney who has held a number of government and think-tank posts in Washington, D.C. Born on Lincoln's birthday, he has studied and collected books, documents, art, and artifacts connected with Abraham Lincoln's life and death since he was ten years old. He has written about history, the Constitution, popular culture, and other subjects for a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, American Heritage, Smithsonian, and the Los Angeles Times. Swanson is a member of the advisory committee of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. He lives in Washington, D.C.

About Frederick Reads:

Frederick Reads is a series of interrelated events produced by a consortium of literary, academic, historical, cultural, business and residential supporters to foster the joy of reading. Frederick Reads brings together a wide spectrum of community organizations including Frederick Community College, Hood College, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick County Public Schools, the City of Frederick, Downtown Frederick Partnership, The Frederick News-Post, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, WYPR/WYPF 88.1, SAIC and WISCO at NCI and many individuals.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Marcia Hall at mhall@cityoffrederick.com or Elizabeth Cromwell at ecromwell@fredco-md.net.