Charles King

Every Valley is a glittering narrative history of intertwined lives that tells the story behind one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, Handel's Messiah.‘A delicious history of music, power, love, genius, royalty and adventure. Unforgettable.’ SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORELondon - Dublin, 1741-42.An actress mired in scandal plans her escape from an abusive husband.A penniless sea captain sets out to rescue the city’s abandoned infants.An African Muslim and former captive in the colonies becomes a celebrity.A grieving political dissident seeks release from his torment.And a great composer to kings – George Frideric Handel – now ill and straining to keep an audience’s attention, faces a decision that will secure his place in history.Evoking a pivotal moment at the birth of modernity, a time of fear, conspiracy and uprising, and featuring some of the most unusual and brilliant personalities of the eighteenth century, Every Valley is a cinematic and moving account of hope in the darkness and the entangled lives that shaped a masterpiece.‘A mesmerizing journey through one of the most fascinating and creative moments in human history’ AMANDA FOREMAN‘Riveting’ The Times Book of the Week'Fascinating . . . cinematic . . . truly informative, imaginative and engaging' Financial Times'An absolute delight' PETER FRANKOPAN

NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK - NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE - From the bestselling historian and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist, the moving untold story of the eighteenth-century men and women behind the making of Handel's Messiah. "A work of vivid social and cultural commentary, it functions also as an in-depth study of artistic creation, how 'Messiah' came to be, but also of the unstoppable spigot that was Handel's musical imagination." --John Adams, The New York Times Book Review "A delicious history of music, power, love, genius, royalty and adventure."--Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The World George Frideric Handel's Messiah is arguably the greatest piece of participatory art ever created. Adored by millions, it is performed each year by renowned choirs and orchestras, as well as by audiences singing along with the words on their cell phones. But this work of triumphant joy was born in a worried age. Britain in the early Enlightenment was a place of astonishing creativity but also the seat of an empire mired in war, enslavement, and conflicts over everything from the legitimacy of government to the meaning of truth. Against this turbulent background, prize-winning author Charles King has crafted a cinematic drama of the troubled lives that shaped a masterpiece of hope. Every Valley presents a depressive dissenter stirred to action by an ancient prophecy; an actress plagued by an abusive husband and public scorn; an Atlantic sea captain and penniless philanthropist; and an African Muslim man held captive in the American colonies and hatching a dangerous plan for getting back home. At center stage is Handel himself, composer to kings but, at midlife, in ill health and straining to keep an audience's attention. Set amid royal intrigue, theater scandals, and political conspiracy, Every Valley is entertaining, inspiring, unforgettable.

Charles King (October 12, 1844 - March 17, 1933) was an American soldier and a distinguished writer. He graduated from West Point in 1866 and served in the Army during the Indian Wars under George Crook. He was wounded in the arm and head during the Battle of Sunset Pass forcing his retirement from the regular army as a captain in 1879. During this time he became acquainted with Buffalo Bill Cody. King would later write scripts for several of Cody's silent films. He also served in the Wisconsin National Guard from 1882 until 1897, becoming Adjutant General in 1895. He wrote and edited over 60 books and novels. Among his list of titles are Campaigning with Crook, Fort Frayne, Under Fire and Daughter of the Sioux. King was an accomplished writer. Among his notable works is his biography of Ulysses S. Grant, entitled, The true Ulysses S. Grant.

Delve into the heart of conflict and courage with Charles King's "Between the Lines: A Story of the War." Set against the backdrop of a nation divided, this compelling novel weaves a rich tapestry of love, loyalty, and sacrifice amidst the turmoil of war. King, a master storyteller, brings to life vivid characters whose destinies are shaped by the tumultuous events surrounding them. Experience the drama and suspense as soldiers face not only external battles but also internal struggles, torn between duty and personal desires. "Between the Lines" captures the essence of a pivotal time in history, exploring the profound impact of war on individuals and communities alike. This meticulously crafted narrative promises to resonate with readers seeking a blend of historical authenticity and emotional depth. Discover why "Between the Lines" remains a timeless exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity, a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. 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.