The first work of fiction by a President of the United States — a sweeping novel of the American South and the War of Independence

In his ambitious and deeply rewarding novel, Jimmy Carter brings to life the Revolutionary War as it was fought in the Deep South; it is a saga that will change the way we think about the conflict. He reminds us that much of the fight for independence took place in that region and that it was a struggle of both great and small battles and of terrible brutality, with neighbor turned against neighbor, the Indians' support sought by both sides, and no quarter asked or given. The Hornet's Nest follows a cast of characters and their loved ones on both sides of this violent conflict — including some who are based on the author's ancestors.

At the heart of the story is Ethan Pratt, who in 1766 moves with his wife, Epsey, from Philadelphia to North Carolina and then to Georgia in 1771, in the company of Quakers. On their homesteads in Georgia, Ethan and his wife form a friendship with neighbors Kindred Morris and his wife, Mavis. Through Kindred and his young Indian friend Newota, Ethan learns about the frontier and the Native American tribes who are being continually pressed farther inland by settlers. As the eight-year war develops, Ethan and Kindred find themselves in life-and-death combat with oppos- ing forces.

With its moving love story, vivid action, and the suspense of a war fought with increasing ferocity and stealth, The Hornet's Nest is historical fiction at its best, in the tradition of such major classics as The Last of the Mohicans.

"What Carter lacks in narrative style and characterization, he more than makes up for in the breadth of historical fact and detail....[W]hat is surprising is the effectiveness of his debut effort." Margaret Flanagan, Booklist

"Carter's 17th book...will certainly inform, but, lacking the novelist's spark, it's unlikely to move or grip." Kirkus Reviews

"[O]n the whole this an evenhanded, authoritative, and lucid account....This makes for palatable history, but many fiction readers will wish the meat had more sauce." Library Journal

Former president Jimmy Carter brings his literary and historical interests together in his first novel — the first ever, in fact, by an American president. Set in the South during the Revolutionary War, the story follows the lives of newlyweds Ethan and Epsey Pratt, who hope that even in the midst of turmoil they can lead a peaceful family life on the farm they create. But Ethan is finally unable to stay on the sidelines. He joins up with a rebel group, and Epsey must bear the consequences of his absence. Jimmy Carter's learned historical novel is full of information about the practices of the period, including the sex lives of the Indians and how to tar and feather someone.

Jimmy Carter, who served as thirty-ninth President of the United States, was born in Plains, Georgia, in 1924. After leaving the White House, he and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Atlanta-based Carter Center, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health around the world. The author of numerous books, including the bestselling memoir An Hour Before Daylight, Jimmy Carter was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.