The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver

A real Long John Silver? Could this most famous of fictional pirates be actually based on the life of a real man? And could that man be one Jonathan Swift of Alexandria, Virginia, an enigmatic merchant whose legendary silver mines have enticed and eluded treasure hunters for over two centuries? From ancient maps, documents and charts, to personal diaries and secret Masonic archives, author Robert Prather boldly delves into both the mystery and legend of Swift, as well as the probable connections with Robert Louis Stevenson s classic adventure, Treasure Island. Filled with intrigue, deception, murder, cryptic codes and buried treasure, this provocative look into a fascinating segment of literary and American history will ready even the casual reader to set sail for plunder and riches.

Robert and his wife Karen reside near Garrett, Kentucky where they have owned and operated a small business since 1982. As a project Field Editor, Robert Prather has worked with Acclaim Press developing county history books. He is a member of local historical and archaeological organizations. The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver has received two honors. In 2012, Reader s Favorite awarded it a Silver Medal for the Historical/Cultural category. The book has also received the prestigious Silver ADDY for its cover and overall design. In February of 2012, the book's primary subject matter was presented on History Channel 2 on its popular series America s Book of Secrets, the Fort Knox episode.