The Man Who Lived Twice

"Did you devour Patrick O’Bian’s Aubrey-Maturin series, then cast about fruitlessly for a writer who could cast as deep a spell? Look no further! In David Taylor the same deep scholarship, informed with a deep sense of history as lives actually lived, and an obvious relish for the art and craft of war, makes you feel you are there, on those dusty US Civil War battlefields and slave plantations, just as you pitched and rolled in O’Brian’s wooden warships. Taylor’s protagonist/anti-hero has such an unbelievable back-story I had to google him to discover this black sheep/ mercenary/ gentleman/ con artist was in fact an actual historical figure. Through Taylor’s deft narration, we meet some of the most memorable men and women of the period. And where the novel parts ways with history and enters the paths of speculation, well, it may very well be how that remarkable life, and the lives he touched, played out. Un-put-downable!’ - Ms V Barker.

‘’An epic take by a born storyteller. David Taylor’s eye for detail and passion for historical context bring to life the dramatic adventures of a remarkable soldier of fortune. From English aristocracy to the battlefields of Tennessee in the Civil War, here are the forces and personalities that helped shape the American Century. As an added treat, there’s a ringside view of one of modern history’s most exotic and enigmatic characters.’ Steve Anderson. 

‘Knowing David as I do I expected the research for this wonderful novel, set in troubled times in nineteenth century America, to be impeccable. Every detail you know is spot on and the story riveting.’ - Rick Stein.

‘If a good historical novel is one that matches a gripping narrative with deep and convincing background research then this is a great one. It is also one that has you rooting for its main character, the Cornishman George Grenfell, despite the fact that he is a liar, a fraudster, an adulterer and a mercenary who fights to support slavery during the American Civil War. You do so because of David Taylor’s skill as a storyteller, and because of how vividly he portrays the raw realities of later nineteenth century America. The locations are real; so are the leading characters. And Taylor leads it all to a quietly satisfying and redemptive ending.’ - Mark Whitaker.

‘A superb book. It tells a compelling ‘un-put-downable’ story based on the life of the colourful and impressive Colonel George St Leger Grenfell who fought for the South in the American Civil War. It introduces a glittering cast of leading characters from the time and provides continual revelations about both them and the conflict itself. A brilliant holiday read. Entertainment and insight. Thoroughly recommended.’ - David Mills.