The Man Who Would Be King is the riveting story that inspired Kipling's classic tale and a John Huston movie In the year 1838, a young adventurer, surrounded by his native troops and mounted on an elephant, raised the American flag on the summit of the Hindu Kush in the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. He declared himself Prince of Ghor, Lord of the Hazarahs, spiritual and military heir to Alexander the Great. The true story of Josiah Harlan, a Pennsylvania Quaker and the first American ever to enter Afghanistan, has never been told before, yet the life and writings of this extraordinary man echo down the centuries, as America finds itself embroiled once more in the land he first explored and described 180 years ago. Soldier, spy, doctor, naturalist, traveler, and writer, Josiah Harlan wanted to be a king, with all the imperialist hubris of his times. In an extraordinary twenty-year journey around Central Asia, he was variously employed as surgeon to the Maharaja of Punjab, revolutionary agent for the exiled Afghan king, and then commander in chief of the Afghan armies. In 1838, he set off in the footsteps of Alexander the Great across the Hindu Kush and forged his own kingdom, only to be ejected from Afghanistan a few months later by the invading British. Using a trove of newly discovered documents and Harlan's own unpublished journals, Ben Macintyre's The Man Who Would Be King tells the astonishing true story of the man who would be the first and last American king.

They say that every tragic hero has a fatal flaw, a secret sin, a tiny stitch sewn into his future since birth. And here I am. My sins are no longer secret. My flaws have never been more fatal. And I’ve never been closer to tragedy than I am now. I am a man who loves, a man whose love demands much in return. I am a king, a king who was foolish enough to build a kingdom on the bones of the past. I am a husband and a lover and a soldier and a father and a president. And I will survive this. Long live the king.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Churchill and Napoleon The last king of America, George III, has been ridiculed as a complete disaster who frittered away the colonies and went mad in his old age. The truth is much more nuanced and fascinating--and will completely change the way readers and historians view his reign and legacy. Most Americans dismiss George III as a buffoon--a heartless and terrible monarch with few, if any, redeeming qualities. The best-known modern interpretation of him is Jonathan Groff's preening, spitting, and pompous take in Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway masterpiece. But this deeply unflattering characterization is rooted in the prejudiced and brilliantly persuasive opinions of eighteenth-century revolutionaries like Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson, who needed to make the king appear evil in order to achieve their own political aims. After combing through hundreds of thousands of pages of never-before-published correspondence, award-winning historian Andrew Roberts has uncovered the truth: George III was in fact a wise, humane, and even enlightened monarch who was beset by talented enemies, debilitating mental illness, incompetent ministers, and disastrous luck. In The Last King of America, Roberts paints a deft and nuanced portrait of the much-maligned monarch and outlines his accomplishments, which have been almost universally forgotten. Two hundred and forty-five years after the end of George III's American rule, it is time for Americans to look back on their last king with greater understanding: to see him as he was and to come to terms with the last time they were ruled by a monarch.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Step into History with 'The First American King' by George Gordon Hastings Embark on a captivating journey through the annals of American history with George Gordon Hastings' gripping novel, 'The First American King.' Prepare to be transported back in time to a tumultuous era filled with political intrigue, ambition, and the quest for power. Experience the Drama and Intrigue of Early American Politics In 'The First American King,' Hastings masterfully weaves a narrative that brings to life the dynamic characters and pivotal events that shaped the birth of a nation. Follow the rise of a charismatic leader as he navigates the treacherous waters of colonial politics, forging alliances, and confronting adversaries in his quest for sovereignty. With meticulous attention to historical detail and a keen eye for drama, Hastings paints a vivid portrait of a nation on the brink of revolution, capturing the spirit of defiance and determination that defined the American Revolutionary War. From the halls of power in Philadelphia to the battlefields of Lexington and Concord, the novel immerses readers in the drama and excitement of the Revolutionary era. Discover the Untold Story of America's First Monarch 'The First American King' offers readers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in American history, exploring the complex motivations and conflicting loyalties that drove the men and women who shaped the destiny of a nation. Through the eyes of its compelling characters, the novel illuminates the struggles and sacrifices of those who dared to challenge the established order and forge a new path forward. More than just a work of fiction, 'The First American King' is a thought-provoking exploration of power, ambition, and the enduring quest for freedom. As readers follow the fortunes of its protagonists, they'll find themselves drawn into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and ultimate triumph, rooting for their favorite characters every step of the way. Why 'The First American King' Is a Must-Read for History Buffs: Rich Historical Detail: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and struggles of Revolutionary America, as Hastings brings the past to life with vivid prose and meticulous research. Compelling Characters: From charismatic leaders to ordinary citizens caught up in extraordinary events, 'The First American King' features a diverse cast of characters whose stories will resonate long after the final page is turned. Epic Scope: Spanning continents and decades, 'The First American King' offers readers a sweeping saga of love, war, and the quest for independence, making it an engrossing read for fans of historical fiction. Relevant Themes: Despite being set in the past, 'The First American King' grapples with themes that remain relevant today, including the nature of leadership, the meaning of freedom, and the enduring power of the human spirit.Don't miss your chance to experience the drama and excitement of 'The First American King' by George Gordon Hastings. Pick up your copy today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the birth of a nation!

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the pivotal figure in colonial and revolutionary America, comes vividly to life in this “thorough biography of ... America’s first Renaissance man” (The Washington Post) by the two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, bestselling historian, and author of Our First Civil War. "The authoritative Franklin biography for our time.” —Joseph J. Ellis, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Founding Brothers Wit, diplomat, scientist, philosopher, businessman, inventor, and bon vivant, Benjamin Franklin's "life is one every American should know well, and it has not been told better than by Mr. Brands" (The Dallas Morning News). From penniless runaway to highly successful printer, from ardently loyal subject of Britain to architect of an alliance with France that ensured America’s independence, Franklin went from obscurity to become one of the world’s most admired figures, whose circle included the likes of Voltaire, Hume, Burke, and Kant. Drawing on previously unpublished letters and a host of other sources, acclaimed historian H. W. Brands has written a thoroughly engaging biography of the eighteenth-century genius. A much needed reminder of Franklin’s greatness and humanity, The First American is a work of meticulous scholarship that provides a magnificent tour of a legendary historical figure, a vital era in American life, and the countless arenas in which the protean Franklin left his legacy. Look for H.W. Brands's other biographies: ANDREW JACKSON, THE MAN WHO SAVED THE UNION (Ulysses S. Grant), TRAITOR TO HIS CLASS (Franklin Roosevelt) and REAGAN.