In the Company of Heroes - Softcover

THE GREATEST ADVENTURE OF THE 20TH CENTURY. While studying for a PhD in history at the University of Washington, I was given the opportunity to open a private collection of World War I memorabilia which had been sequestered in closed stacks for fifty years. This historical treasure chest contained private diaries, war memoranda, secret orders, letters, and eyewitness accounts from the most turbulent period in the twentieth century: 1914 - 1920, the years encompassing WWI, Lenin's Revolution, the Russian Civil War; and the little known War of the Interventionists - where USA, Britain and France secretly invaded Russia to thwart Bolshevism. The story follows three young adults whose newly won careers are snatched from them at the outbreak of war. * How the first woman to serve with the Czar's Treasury hides the wealth of Russia from Lenin. * How a language student from Stanford University leads a clandestine invasion to thwart Bolshevism. * How a graduate student from Charles University in Prague leads a regiment of elite athletes to mutiny against Germany and side with Russia. Every situation in this epic story of love and escape is accurately framed within well researched historiography. Personal anecdotes were authenticated -- incredible as they may seem. Eyewitnesses, Alexander Kerensky the last elected monarchist premier of Russia, and Dr. Lister Rogers of Stanford University were interviewed. This novel was also reviewed by President Vaclav Havel, Consul-General Miroslav Hermann, and author Jan Drabek, as well as Drs. Payne and McNaughton, U.S. military historians from the Presidio Language Institute in California. The only fiction in this action-driven novel lies with the three main characters who are composites. All others are accurate: Lenin, Kerensky, Churchill, President Wilson, Grand Duchess Marie, Czar Nicholas; Generals Gaida; Syrovy; Kechek; Graves; and Admiral Kolchak. The repercussions of their actions still resonate in the 21st century. "The characters are believable, and God knows, the events covered are of terrific historical importance. The dialogue rings true, and I found that the plotting, with its swings of triumph and disaster, kept me turning the pages." Douglas Gibson, President, McClelland & Stewart. "Europe's secret story." Vaclav Havel, President of Czech Republic. "No better way to learn history." Jan Drabek. "Like holding an epic movie in your hand." Ray Hall, University of BC.