Novelist Ed Protzel will present “Antebellum South, Civil War Missouri & Reconstruction: An Author’s Journey” on Tuesday at the Missouri River Regional Library.
Protzel will discuss the most interesting facts he found while writing his historical fiction novel series, “DarkHorse Trilogy,” as well as humorous and dramatic scenes from his books. His second novel in particular, “Honor Among Outcasts,” is based on Missouri’s guerrilla warfare during the Civil War era.
“I think there’s very interesting research discoveries that say a lot about this period that people aren’t aware of,” Protzel said. “So I think there are things that will surprise and enlighten people.”
Having grown up in St Louis, Protzel brings readers back to his home state to showcase how people lived through historical Civil War events, such as the Lawrence Massacre and the Union Army’s Order No. Eleven. During the presentation, he will delve into his research and findings of Civil War Reconstruction, which is the basis of his final book in the trilogy, “Something in Madness,” set to release this year.
“History is not really made by the people at the top; it’s not made by the kings and queens. It’s made by the people who build their businesses in the towns and so forth,” he said. “My books show what real people in difficult circumstances try to do to seek justice, to maintain their dignity and to find happiness and love.”
“Antebellum South, Civil War Missouri & Reconstruction: An Author’s Journey” begins at 7 p.m. in the library’s art gallery. The library is located at 214 Adams St. in Jefferson City.
For more information, contact program director Madeline Matson at 573-634-6064, ext. 250.
The library has been hosting a variety of similar events to broaden educational opportunities to residents.
“When many people think of libraries, the first thing they think of is books. Programs like this one help provide a valuable resource to the community,” said Natalie Newville, marketing manager at Missouri River Regional Library. “It is important to us to provide for all stages of life at the library, whether it is serving an early literacy role in the life of a child, a place to use a computer, participate in a book discussion, meet an author or learn a new life skill. We have 50-60 different programs every month.”