Synopsis
"One of the most poignant untold stories in American history" - Joseph J. Ellis, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award bestselling historian. The novel has recently been optioned by prominent, multiple Emmy winning Producer-Director, Mark Stouffer, for a feature/mini-series on a major cable-television network. Billy Lee, an African-American slave was at George Washington's side for over 30 years. Although never a relationship between equals, it was an intimate and enduring connection. A superb horseman, brave soldier and literate aide, Billy stood next to Washington when he crossed the Delaware, galloped at Washington's side in battle--a slave, armed with a pistol, carbine and spyglass--served with him in frozen Valley Forge and through the difficult years to the final victory at Yorktown. He was responsible for Washington's public papers at Conventions and Congresses, but Billy remained a slave, always yearning to be freed, and his slavery cost him the love of his life, yet his loyalty to Washington was unwavering. Award-winning author Len Lamensdorf's latest novel, based on his acclaimed one-man play, is a unique and compelling "buddy" story, which delves into the quest for freedom, from the tyranny of England to the chains of slavery. Introduced by best-selling author, Joseph J. Ellis, "The Ballad of Billy Lee," deftly weaves the history of the American Revolution with the poignant story of one man's struggle for personal freedom against the background of powerful and seering events.
About the Author
Len Lamensdorf is an award-winning author of eight novels, three full-length plays, and one motion picture. A 3-time Silberman Memorial scholar and an honors graduate of the University of Chicago, Len also studied playwriting at UCLA with Theater Arts Department Chairman, Kenneth Macgowan, founder of the world-famous Provincetown Players and the original producer of the plays of Eugene O'Neill. Lamensdorf earned his J.D. degree from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was Associate Editor/Managing Editor of the University of Chicago Law Review, and completed his post-graduate studies at Harvard Law School. Len's career in law and business spanned more than 30 years and he draws on his extensive travel experience on 5 continents to create realistic settings for his work. Len's first novel, "Kane's World" was published in hardcover by Simon & Schuster, in paperback by Dell, and translated into several languages. Delacorte published his next novel, "In the Blood." His prize-winning Juvenile/Young Adult "Will to Conquer" trilogy, won the 2000 Gold Benjamin Franklin Award, an "Ippy," the Independent Publisher's prize and was a finalist for the "Foreword Magazine," Book of the year. "The Raging Dragon," was named "Children's Choice 2003, sponsored by the prestigious Children's Book Council and the 85,000 member, International Reading Association. "Booklist" called Len's adult novel, "Gino, the Countess Chagall," ...a glowing tribute to the world of art through the life of a talented and charming painter, who personifies the zest for life." "Gino" won a Silver Benjamin Franklin Award, an Ippy, and "Foreword Magazine's" Book of the Year. The stage version of "The Ballad of Billy Lee" starring the outstanding actor, Henry Brown, was staged in the Santa Barbara area in late October, 2012, and an encore version soon followed, to virtually rapturous applause. Len is married, the father of two children and lives in Westlake Village, Caloifornis.
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