FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THREE THOUSAND DAYS AND NIGHTS
A novel of the French & Indian War
Benjamin W. Farley
$24.95 - Hardcover / 352 pages
ISBN: 978-0- 9831519-7-5
Available – April 1, 2012
Media Contact: Lynda Bouchard
Publicity Director
[email protected]
864-363-2733
Veteran writer Ben Farley turns history into romantic drama as The French and Indian War unfolds in
his newly released novel THREE THOUSAND DAYS AND NIGHTS.
Benjamin W. Farley‘s “Three Thousand Days and Nights – “A story of love and war,
sacrifice, passion, and valor” proves that historical fiction and romance make a winsome
combination. Based on history, this fight of freedom tells of many different peoples,
deeply affected by the events unfolding around them during the French and Indian War each with the common desire for a life of freedom and independence in a newly settled
country.
These are characters full of passion, who fought and struggled during this tumultuous
period in American history. French, Indian, British and Colonial Americans - live, love
and fight side-by-side—and against each other— for their countries, their beliefs and their
hearts.
Lessons from this important war resonate strongly today. The respect for enduring cultures
and our sense of humility before the tides of time – embolden our national concern for
varied ethnic groups, their languages, art, industry and culture.
PRAISE
“Ben Farley summons up visions of the French and Indian War, little remembered
these days. But Farley reminds us in this historical novel, this war is not the dry
toast of history. It set the stage for the American Revolution, and there were real
people and very real passions involved.”
- Roger Pinckney, whose ancestors signed the U.S. Constitution, is author
of Blue Roots, The Right Side of the River and Reefer Moon.
_______________________________
“Three Thousand Days and Nights is a history of the senses. Ben Farley takes
us to an unfamiliar time and place and breathes life into both the characters and
the period. This is my favorite kind of story, real history and real people woven
together in a compelling read.”
- Batt Humphreys, author of Dead Weight, his award-winning first novel.
MEDIA ANGLES
THREE THOUSAND DAYS AND NIGHTS - A novel of the French & Indian War
BENJAMIN W. FARLEY
Between 1751-1759, the British Colonies, France, and their Indian allies on both sides found themselves
drawn into a contest for control of the Ohio Region and its bordering lakes. Many dreams, hopes, and ageold enmities boiled over into a bloody conflict that swept away French aspirations, in particular.
It served as a prelude to the American Revolution, as many of its combatants took up arms again to engage
in that future cause.
This is a narrative of love, war, ambition and loss, set in the wilderness, hamlets and towns of France and
other colonies.
What lessons can be learned from “Three Thousand Days and Nights”?
1. Be willing to entertain ideas from both older and younger generations/colleagues.
2. Seize moments of opportunity with grace and dignity, not with jealousy and arrogance.
3. Support your staff! Learn from their strengths and weaknesses.
4. When in command, consult others with openness and respect, while holding yourself accountable
for the final decision. Be gracious-avoid blaming others when events go wrong.
5. Show gratitude. Gracefully distance yourself from envious people. George Washington and the
story’s protagonists – Francois, Sir William, Langdon, Chief Pontiac –embrace these qualities. In
doing so they inspire many other characters in the story whose appearance is so vital to the
novel’s development and inevitable denouement.
Why is this time in history still important today?
The French and Indian War resulted in the loss of France’s grand empire in North America, yet its
enduring culture, respect for Native peoples, and survival as a proud Province in Quebec has the capacity
to embolden our love of history – sense of humility before the tides of time. It enlarges our national concern
for varied cultures.
In this election year – what can our politicians learn from your book?
Be bold but civil! Care about what is best for the country and not just about what might please the few –
remembering that you represent EVERYONE not just the disgruntled. Be principled, but open; courageous
yet not arrogant; frugal but magnanimous toward the least advantaged. Lift people up and be an advocate
of what is fair – to all professions, social groups. The characters in THREE THOUSAND DAYS & NIGHTS
struggle with all of the aforementioned – even though time, distance and suffering take their toll. It enriches
our own sense of humility!
What is the South’s significance?
The novel refers to Captain James MacKay-a well-born Scot from SC, who brought his British regulars to
assist George Washington’s militia at the battle of Ft. Necessity. He refused to allow his men to perform
manual tasks –much to the dismay of Washington and his troops! In the end, MacKay supports the young
Colonel and shows respect in Va.’s time of need. Many Southerners from the Virginias to the Carolinas
were enlisted in the cause – Daniel Boone among them – a wagoner during Braddock’s defeat.
What surprised you the most when doing research for the book?
The greed on the part of Robt. Dinwiddie – Gov. of VA. - and the members of the Ohio Company. They
were insistent on driving out the French beyond the Alleghenies, even though the French had “rights” to
be there – with established forts long before VA had any interest in that area. I was also surprised by the
gallantry of the French officers and Canadian-born French who so bravely sought out and fought beside
the Indian allies (for whom they showed great respect.)
____________________________________________________________________________
Available April 1, 2012
$24.95 - Hardcover / 352 pages
ISBN: 978-0-9831519-7-5
www.starbooks.biz
Media Contact: Lynda Bouchard
[email protected]
864-363-2733
MEET
BENJAMIN W. FARLEY
Born in the Philippine Islands, Benjamin W. Farley grew up on tobacco and cattle farms around Abingdon, VA. He is
a graduate of Davidson College, (A.B.) and earned his master’s degree and doctorate of philosophy from Union
Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. As an ordained minister, Farley served Presbyterian churches in Virginia
from 1964 to 1973. Farley was Yount’s Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Erskine College, Due West, SC.,
where he taught from 1974 to 2000.
He served as adjunct professor at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. from 2000 to 2003. He is the author of seven
scholarly works, two collections of short stories and four novels, set principally in the South.
Ben Farley has been the guest of numerous radio and TV programs and the recipient of “Writer of the Season”
(Nostalgia, 1992)
Other books by Ben:
-Beyond Homer
-Corbin’ Rubi-Yacht
-Of Time and Eternity
-Quilly Hall
-The Hero of St. Lo: Stories
of South Carolina And Georgia
THREE THOUSAND DAYS AND NIGHTS
A novel of the French & Indian War
Benjamin W. Farley
$24.95 - Hardcover / 352 pages
ISBN: 978-0- 9831519-7-5
Media Contact: Lynda Bouchard
[email protected]
864-363-2733
Lydia Inglett Publishing, Ltd.
www.starbooks.biz
________________________________________________________________________
Thoughts on writing “Three Thousand Days and Nights”
“Researching the history of the French and Indian War came naturally since I’m an old scholar by trade
and love historical research.”
“James Fenimore Cooper’s - The Last of The Mohicans along with Kenneth Robert’s Northwest Passage
are set in Upstate NY and New England. I wanted my story to be more inclusive.”
“In the end, this is still a novel. I love literature and I love to write. This is a love story about anxieties and
passion that accompany lovers separated in time of turmoil. Can we match it in our time?”
“In the end, good fiction is never about the past. It’s about us, our human condition. That is why
storytelling is so necessary and compelling and a godsend for the soul.”