Introducing Harry’s Gold with the Author, Martinn E. Winters
Meet author Martinn E Winters as he discusses his newly published historical novel Harry’s Gold. The book covers American history from the Klondike gold rush in 1897 through World War II as seen through the life of Harry. The main character runs away from home as a teenager to find adventure in the great Northwest where he encounters iconic figures like Wyatt Earp and Jack London.
Portions of the book are dedicated to the experience of Jack London during the Klondike gold rush era. In 1897, Jack departed San Francisco with his brother-in-law, Captain James Shepard to seek his fortune. They paired up with other men to stake their claim on Split-Up Island. While holed up there for the winter, Jack went downriver to Dawson where he spent six weeks and met up with Louis and Marshall Bond. The Bond brothers had a dog which became the model for “Buck” in Call of the Wild. This visit is captured in the book where Jack became personally known to Harry.
Jack London’s affinity for animals is explored during this episode, which formed the foundation for his later writings about this period. He visits a gold mine, experiences a vibrant mining town during its heyday, and endures the harshest winter of his lifetime. The characters he comes to know, and the dogs he interacts with, reappear in his novels in the ensuing decades.
The character of Harry returns home evolving into a successful businessman, politician, and bootlegger. Based on a true story, this riveting historical fiction explores people’s lives during the birth of the American empire from the Gilded Age to the Jazz Age. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the defiant wilderness of the last frontier, the Roaring 20’s and Prohibition.
Meet the Author
Martinn E. Winters has been a professional writer and researcher for over thirty years. Based on a true story, and supported by an extensive family archive, Harry’s Gold is his first historical novel. The author’s research took several years, covering hundreds of sources and confirming details with authors and historians over key events in the timeline. All locations in North America were personally visited by the author during a lifetime of inquiry into the subject. Special emphasis was made to integrate the biographies of Wyatt Earp, Jack London, Tex Rickard, Rex Beach and Wilson Mizner into the narrative.
A devoted historian, the author is dedicated to getting the facts straight while telling a compelling story. The writer is also a student of the history of ancient Rome, and Europe from the Middle Ages through World War II. An avid traveler, the author lives in Naples, Florida with his wife Kristin and 1,200 bottles of wine.
Admission: FREE ($10 parking fee is extra)
When: Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Where: Meet in the Oak Grove Group picnic site. (turn right after the entry kiosk)
Price: $0.00