Magic Words: The Tale of a Jewish Boy-Interpreter, the World's Most Estimable Magician, a Murderous Harlot, and America's Greatest Indian Chief Format: Paperback

Young Jewish immigrant Julius comes of age surrounded by the wild world of 1867 Nebraska. He befriends the mysterious Prophet John who saves his life when the two are captured by Ponca Indians. Living as a slave, Julius meets the noble chief Standing Bear and his young daughter Prairie Flower, with whom Julius falls in love. But Julius has reckoned without the arrival of his older cousin, Alexander-who, as the Great Herrmann, is the most famous young magician in America. Nor does he suspect the ultimate consequences of Alex’s affair with Lady-Jane Little Feather, a glamorous-and murderous-prostitute destined to become the most scandalous woman on two continents.

Gerald Kolpan, author of Etta (2009), previously was a contributor to NPR's All Things Considered and for twenty years was the Emmy award-winning features reporter for Philly's WXTF TV. He lives in Philadelphia.