Quest for Liberty
A historical revolutionary war era novel

Set in Amherst, NH
by Robert H. Rowe

OUT OF PRINT

Based on historical fact, Quest for Liberty contrasts the impact of the Revolution on two men and their families. Through Thompson Maxwell and Joshua Atherton the story of the beginning of the Revolution unfolds with military battles in Concord and Lexington, Bunker Hill, and through legal and political battles in the courtroom, at citizens inquisitions, and jail.

New Hampshire's revolutionary fervor begins early in 1774 when citizens of the province establish a people's government in defiance of royal authority. On December 14, 1774, the first American attack on a British fort takes place in New Castle, New Hampshire, when local militiamen storm Fort William and Mary, removing the weapons and powder stored there. News of the New Castle raid spreads quickly throughout the province. In the village of Amherst, the event has an unexpected impact on two of the town's leading citizens, farmer and soldier Thompson Maxwell and lawyer and pacifist Joshua Atherton.

Here is a story rarely told, that of the impact of the war for independence on the residents of a small New Hampshire town, far from the front lines of the larger military and political conflict sweeping the embattled thirteen colonies. Among the many illustrations are maps and photographs of some of the Amherst buildings where many of the events took place.

"Quest for Liberty brings home in convincing and dramatic form the divisive effects of the Revolution on many communities. It reminds us once again that a passion even for liberty can, and did, renew, however illogically, the spirit of the Inquisition. Rowe's battle scenes are especially well done, and the whole book discloses a broad range of background research and conscientious attention to detail. This is a book for anyone interested in the American Revolution, but New Hampshire readers especially will appreciate getting acquainted with Joshua Atherton and Maxwell Thompson and the village scene in Amherst." Charles E. Clark,
Professor Emeritus, University of New Hampshire
Author of The Eastern Frontier and The Meetinghouse Tragedy

About the Author

Robert H. Rowe is a long time resident of Amherst, New Hampshire. He is a former judge and retired attorney. His retirement activities include historical research and being a member of the New Hampshire legislature. He is the author of Colonial Amherst Village and Walking Tour of Amherst Village. He and his wife Helen live in Jones Tavern, one of the sites described in Quest for Liberty.

Historical Fiction. 247 pages, 20 illustrations, clothbound, ISBN 0-914339-91-5 $23.95