-NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR-
Chris DeRose
One of the great American stories. Now for the first time.
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"Doggedly researched and briskly narrated, this rousing chronicle testifies to the importance of free and fair elections." - Publisher's Weekly
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In "The Fighting Bunch," Chris DeRose unearths a fascinating and incredibly timely piece of American history. This lively and well-researched account of American GIs and their people-powered revolution is a lesson for us all - and a warning for those tempted by power or complacency to forget the role that justice and fairness play in this country. Or to put it as one of the heroes might have (outside of polite company): Don't screw with democracy, the ballot box, or angry GIs.
It's another reminder that the men and women who endured World War II were in fact members of the Greatest Generation.
- Jim DeFelice, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of "American Sniper" and "Every Man a Hero."
This is an especially timely tale in a year of social and political turmoil. The pulse-pounding narrative of 'The Fighting Bunch' takes us to a place in America where the struggle against evil did not end when the war did and once more people of good will had to take a courageous stand.
- Tom Clavin, New York Times bestselling author of "Tombstone" and "Dodge City."
In a remarkable feat of dogged fresh reporting, historical research and narrative aplomb, DeRose breathes new life into the little-remembered saga of the 1946 Battle of Athens, Tennessee, when a force of angry men, led by recent World War II veterans with the "stamp of combat in their eyes," mounted a successful armed rebellion against entrenched municipal corruption and police brutality.
- Joe Sharkey, New York Times bestselling author of "Above Suspicion."
History's best lessons are sometimes forgotten, and it's up to authors like Chris DeRose to resurrect them. He does so elegantly in The Fighting Bunch, the astonishing story of how, in August 1946, a band of World War II veterans summoned all their courage and fighting skills to stand up to and destroy a corrupt political machine. It's likely you never knew about it before - but once you've read this book, their act will resonate in your mind forever.
- Jeff Guinn, New York Times bestselling author of "Manson," and "The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple"
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Men who went overseas to defend the freedom of the world returned home to discover they had lost it here. How they fought to reclaim it is a riveting story that should remind every American of how precious and fragile are the freedoms we too often take for granted.
- John Bicknell, author of "Lincoln's Pathfinder: John C. Fremont and the Violent Election of 1856 and America 1844"
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Acclaim for Chris DeRose
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The Fighting Bunch: The Battle of Athens and How WWII Veterans Won the Only Successful Armed Rebellion Since the Revolution (St. Martin’s Press)
"History's best lessons are sometimes forgotten, and it's up to authors like Chris DeRose to resurrect them. He does so elegantly in The Fighting Bunch, the astonishing story of how, in August 1946, a band of World War II veterans summoned all their courage and fighting skills to stand up to and destroy a corrupt political machine in McMinn County, Tennessee. It's likely you never knew about it before - but once you've read this book, their act will resonate in your mind forever."
- Jeff Guinn, New York Times bestselling author of Manson and The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple
"Men who went overseas to defend the freedom of the world returned home to discover they had lost it here. How they fought to reclaim it is a riveting story that should remind every American of how precious and fragile are the freedoms we too often take for granted."
- John Bicknell, author of Lincoln's Pathfinder: John C. Fremont and the Violent Election of 1856 and America 1844
Star Spangled Scandal: Sex, Murder, and the Trial that Changed America (Regnery)
“Addicting.”
- National Public Radio
“True crime fans will relish this thoughtful look at a murder and its aftermath that riveted a nation.”
- Publisher’s Weekly
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The Presidents’ War: Six American Presidents and the Civil War That Divided Them (Rowman and Littlefield/Lyons Press), a New York Times Bestseller
"[A] well-written, thorough, and engaging look into a unique political situation in American history."
- Publisher’s Weekly
“A revelation of eye-opening facts that are otherwise overlooked.”
- Kirkus
“A masterful analysis of the time.”
- Civil War News
“Fascinating.”
- The Christian Science Monitor
“Riveting.”
- Library Journal
Congressman Lincoln: The Making of America’s Greatest President (Simon & Schuster/Threshold)
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"[A] gripping portrait of the young Lincoln and the polarized Congress in which he served."
- Library Journal
"A vibrant impression of Lincoln’s activity as he circulated through Washington’s political whirls. Lincoln fans will be absorbed by DeRose’s able account about the Thirtieth Congress’ representative from the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois."
- Booklist
Founding Rivals: Madison vs. Monroe, the Bill of Rights, and the Election That Saved a Nation (Regnery History)
A fresh take on a well-known friendship and rivalry during the early establishment of the U.S. Constitution…compelling narrative throughout…A lively, clear-cut study of the myriad hurdles and uncertainty that characterized the first attempts to form the U.S. government.”
- Kirkus
“An engaging account of the Republic’s contentious founding.”
- Publisher’s Weekly
