The Northfield Township Historical Society presents author Loren Estleman November 19, 2009

The Northfield Township Historical Society is pleased to announce the program for its fall membership meeting: world-class author Loren Estleman. The date is Thursday, November 19 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Social Hall at the corner of W. Northfield Church and Old Whitmore Lake Roads. The starting time is 6 p.m.

With over 60 books in print and a huge fan base in both the United States and Europe, Loren Estleman’s consistent production of well-received detective stories, many set in Detroit (the Amos Walker series, among others), has continued from his first published story in 1976. More recently, his life-long interest in the American West has generated books on various aspects of Western history. Mr. Estleman is a five-time winner of the Spur Award of the Western Writers of America.

His most recent book, The Branch and the Scaffold, is based on the exploits of the famous “hanging” Judge Isaac Parker of Ft. Smith, Arkansas Territory in the period following the Civil War. Parker’s method of establishing order in a town of 30 saloons and one bank was promptly to hang in public six convicted felons at one time. His jurisdiction comprised some 24,000 square miles, including Indian territory, a huge area for justice to be administered by one man. The novel captures in crackling prose many of the colorful characters of that time and place – the Dalton Brothers, Ned Christie, and Belle Starr to name a few.

It may surprise some of his fans to know that Mr. Estleman is actually a local resident, and the NTHS welcomes him as one who values and uses history. The focus of his talk will be how he incorporates history in his writing. There should be some time for questions from the audience. Mr. Estleman will also do a book signing following the program, generously including a benefit to the historical society.

A traditional potluck at 6:00 p.m. precedes the meeting and all are welcome to participate. Please bring a dish to pass and personal table service. Dinner will be followed by a brief business meeting and then the program, ending with the book signing. The program should begin at approximately 7:15 p.m..

The NTHS is inviting local high school students who may be aspiring writers as well as members of other local historical societies to attend. The program is free and open to the public, presenting a great opportunity to hear and meet an award-winning author of international reputation right here at home.

Official Website: http://www.lorenestleman.com/