CHILMARK, Mass., July 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- A young man stricken with leprosy ascends the throne of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He faces not only a brutal battle for power within his kingdom but also a disease that threatens his mind and spirit. Journey with him in a heroic struggle against all odds for life, love, and country in author George SB Morgan's fascinating book, The Leper Crown.
In the middle ages, Leprosy was the equivalent of AIDS. In The Leper Crown, a young man named Baldwin, who ascends the throne of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, mysteriously contracted this disease at a young age. There was no cure. He tries to keep his illness a secret from enemies and struggles to maintain his reign against those who wish to usurp his power. As the dreaded disease consumes his body, it threatens to consume both his mind and spirit as well. But Baldwin was determined to protect his kingdom, even if it meant mortal combat.
The events in the Middle East nine hundred years ago bear striking similarities to those of today. The borders of the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem were almost those of present day Israel. It too was surrounded by hostile nations sworn to its annihilation. It was also dependent on support from the West, and the inability of its enemies to unite.
Those interested in history of the Middle East and about the middle ages' crusades will find this an interesting read. Morgan weaves a wonderful story of medieval history brimming with emotions as the hero experiences the pain of betrayal and conflicts yet rises to triumph because of his courage. Buy a copy now and revisit the past in a tale like no other.
About the Author
George Morgan graduated from Amherst College and received an M.A. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. After serving in the U.S. Military he spent the next two decades as an actor in roles from Aescylus to Putney Swope to M.A.S.H. After extensive travels in Europe and the Middle East he opted for the twelfth century, the flambouyant Plantagenets, and their less famous but equally turbulent eastern cousins, the Kings and Queens of Jerusalem. Mr. Morgan is a member of the Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, and lives in a fortified dwelling on the island of Martha's Vinyard. He is presently completing a History of William of Tyre and the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, 1099-1187, a chronicle of that colorful but unhappy era, mid-way in the endlessly violent culture-collision between East and West.
THE LEPER CROWN * by GEORGE SB MORGAN
Publication Date: June 27, 2007
Trade Paperback; $21.99; 218 pages; 1-4257-2027-7; 978-1-4257-2027-8
Cloth Hardback; $31.99; 218 pages; 1-4257-2028-5; 978-1-4257-2028-5
To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7836. Tear sheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marketing Services. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x.7876.
Xlibris books can be purchased in any major bookstore, or online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders or Xlibris. For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.