First time in paperback—Jakes's acclaimed saga of a South Carolina dynasty from the American Revolution through the Civil War.

"A family intrigue that stretches across sweeping historical events...a great read." —The Charleston Post and Courier

Summary

With more than 50 million copies in print, John Jakes is one of the preeminent novelists of American historical fiction. Now, the bestselling author who "makes history come brilliantly alive" (Washington Post Book World) brings us a stunning multigenerational saga of two nation- shaping wars...as seen through the eyes of a powerful South Carolina dynasty.

Charleston follows the lives, loves and shifting fortunes of the unforgettable Bell family from the American Revolution through the turbulent antebellum years to the savage defeat of the Confederacy. Jakes paints a powerful portrait of the Charleston aristocracy who zealously guarded their wealth and privilege—while harboring dark family secrets that threatened to destroy them all. Peopled by a sprawling cast of memorable characters—patriots and cowards, aristocrats and abolitionists, slaves and freedmen, heroic men and courageous women—Charleston represents America's premier storyteller at his very best.