Themistocles

About the Book

            This is a historical novel about Themistocles, the Greek general of the fifth century B.C. whose accomplishments have been downplayed for too many centuries.  It was Themistocles who led his countrymen to victory in the decisive battle against the Persians in 480 B.C.--the Battle of Salamis.  Had it not been for Themistocles, the infamous battle would not have taken place, and the Persians would have continued their siege of Attica, taking the entire peninsula into their despotic control.  Democracy would not have had the opportunity to grow and flourish.

About the Author

            Jan Ward Maxwell grew up in Michigan, where she received a B.A. degree in history, political science, and elementary education and an M.A. in English language and literature from Central Michigan University.  She began writing at an early age, composing stories about her adventures at school camp and collaborating on teenage stories with her two best friends.  Her more recent publications have appeared in several poetry anthologies.  She currently teaches for a nearby college and has spent many years working in college and public libraries.