Events

Historian Clint Johnson will speak and sign copies of his new book, A Vast and Fiendish Plot:  The Confederate Attack on New York City, Saturday, March 27^th, beginning at 4 p.m.  Johnson is the author of ten books, eight of which has focused on the American Civil War.

Born in Florida, Johnson and his wife now live in the mountains of North Carolina.  His ancestors include Civil War soldiers from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.  He is active as a civil war re-enactor, portraying both Confederate and Union soldiers.  In researching A Vast and Fiendish Plot, Johnson spent days poring through old newspapers and 1864 maps of New York City tracking down the details of the plot to burn down the city.

On November 25, 1864, eight confederate officers attempted to destroy New York City with a series of lethal fires.  The officers were fueled by rage due to the Union’s killing of their beloved General John Hunt Morgan and the burning of the Shenandoah Valley.  That the plot did not succeed is somewhat of a miracle despite the audaciousness of the scheme.  A Vast and Fiendish Plot reveals shocking facts about the treacherous alliances and rivalries that threatened nineteenth-century America and brings out the truth about this little-known and stunning event.

 Dan Barefoot, popular North Carolina author and frequent visitor to Literary Bookpost, say of A Vast and Fiendish Plot:  “Clint Johnson meticulously details a long-neglected chapter of Civil War history.  His well-researched volume yields a vivid, fast-paced account of the intriguing Confederate attempt to cause mayhem, confusion, and destruction.  Johnson weaves a fascinating story that is sure to captivate readers.”

At Literary Bookpost Johnson will give a brief reading and hold a short discussion of his new book, followed by a book signing and reception.