Fiftieth Novel by Award-winning Author

The extensive research and writing of historical fiction could take many authors a decade to complete, but Wheeler's adds THE EXILE to his extensive list of western and historical novels--fifty since 1978. He has four times received the Western Writers of America SPUR Award.

Livingston, Montana, (PRWEB) December 3, 2003 --
December 10, 2003 heralds the bookstore release of Richard S. Wheeler's fiftieth novel, THE EXILE (Forge $24.95). Wheeler, the 2001 recipient of the Owen Wister Award for lifetime excellence in literature about the American West, has penned a remarkable fictional biography of Thomas Francis Meagher (1823 -- 1867). Wheeler follows the life of the Irish hero, from the time he was exiled to Tasmania for fomenting an uprising against British rule in Ireland, to his escape and life in New York City, through his courageous leadership of the Irish Brigade during the Civil War. The heart of the story lies in Wheeler's deft telling of Meagher's turbulent tenure as secretary and acting governor of Montana Territory (1865-1867), and the vitriolic clash with those who opposed him.

This former newspaperman who has lived in the west for most of his adult life, researched THE EXILE over a three year period, a time during which his other titles THE FIELDS OF EDEN and ECLIPSE: A NOVEL OF LEWIS AND CLARK, were published.

Wheeler says, "When I first learned about Meagher I was intrigued by this man who lived his life to the hilt--almost lost his life (he was sentenced to die) for the sake of Irish independence. I wanted to dramatize this life, even though there were pitfalls."

Wheeler has done just that. THE EXILE is the story of a man who always defended his ideals; a man of action who inspired ballads and songs. "His disappearance or death remains one of the greatest of all unsolved historical mysteries," says Wheeler. His fiftieth novel offers believable and well-drawn answers, and provides an eloquent portrayal of this outspoken historical figure.

Not content to reach this fiftieth-novel milestone, Wheeler has recently completed a book about Major Marcus Reno, and is currently researching a biographical novel on Buffalo Bill Cody. Other Richard S. Wheeler titles include the 13-book Skye's West series, Sun Mountain, Aftershocks, Buffalo Commons. Wheeler,
His books can be found in all bookstores, and selected autographed books can be purchased at www.writerswest.com/BOOKS/RSW/.

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Interviews and book signings by Richard S. Wheeler can be arranged by contacting Forge Books, New York www.tor.com, or Get It Together productions, Helena, Montana www.kaios.com/GIT/contact.htm