Delmarva: Legends & Lore

by David Healey

The mysteries and lore of Delmarva in Maryland are revealed here. Between the waters of the Atlantic and the Chesapeake is Delmarva, a storied land that was once the hunting ground of Blackbeard, where ancient sea monsters lurk and wild ponies gallop along the beaches. Local author David Healey explores the lore of Delmarva, from the legends of St. Michaels--the town that escaped British cannons with a clever trick--to stories of Assateague's cannibalistic colonists and the all but forgotten history of Anna Carroll, President Lincoln's ""Dear Lady,"" who is rumored to have brilliantly advised him on strategy during the Civil War. Join Healey as he reveals the secret history and remarkable legends of Delmarva.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2010

About the author

David Healey made his publishing debut with SHARPSHOOTER, a what-if historical thriller about an attempt to assassinate Union General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War, published by an imprint of Penguin Putnam. That novel was the result of years of research into the Civil War that included time as a reenactor at Gettysburg and other battlefields.

In its review, the Civil War News wrote: “SHARPSHOOTER has the feel of a techno-thriller, the kind offered by Tom Clancy or Dean Koontz ... SHARPSHOOTER moves quickly and is filled with all manner of intrigue."

Healey has brought that same passion for research and history to his World War II novels, GHOST SNIPER, ARDENNES SNIPER, and RED SNIPER. During a 21-year career as a journalist, he was fortunate enough to interview many veterans of the 29th Division who landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Some of the events and characters in these novels were inspired by their stories.

He loves the idea of a character like Micajah Cole, a self-reliant backwoods hunter who turns out to be unrelenting and ruthless as a sniper, especially against a skilled adversary, in the pages of these books.

In addition to fiction, he has written books on regional history, including 1812: REDISCOVERING CHESAPEAKE BAY'S FORGOTTEN WAR and GREAT STORMS OF THE CHESAPEAKE.

A graduate of Washington College and the Stonecoast MFA program, he was recognized in 2011 as a Chaney Scholar in history by St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Visit him online at www.davidhealeyauthor.com or follow him at Facebook at facebook.com/david.healey.books

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting bite-sized stories. I definitely learned some new things. Played a little loose with the definition of “Delmarva” with more stories from Cecil County, MD than any other locale. Half of Cecil County is not even on the peninsula. :(. Still a good read.

[Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent the first 12 years of my life in Somerset County, Maryland. It was an idyllic time on our farm with my dog, a Belgian Shepherd named Rin Tin Tin (Rinnie) and numerous cats and horses. I can never go back to that time except in my imagination and in books like this about Delmarva. I am currently reading, "The Entailed Hat," a book set in and around Princess Anne in the 1800s. This book by David Healey is well-written and very interesting telling stories that I'd never heard or only heard mentioned. It is a fascinating read and I am sure just the tip of the iceberg. Delmarva is an amazing place and very interesting to read about with a rich history.

[MICHAEL W SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

It was a nice read on a whole bunch of different topics of the Delmarva area. Makes me interested in going there again and explore!

[Katie Hunzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great bedtime book. As a Delmarva transplant resident it was so fun to read a couple vignettes each night and learn about the deep rooted history our area has to offer!