The Hand-Made Gentleman: A Tale of the Battles of Peace

A lively portrait of post‑Civil War America unfolds through the eyes of Jacob Ezra Heron, a bright‑hearted boy nicknamed Cricket. Growing up in a modest schoolhouse, he navigates the everyday hazards of childhood while dreaming of inventions and adventure. His world is colored by a vivid imagination and the presence of an enigmatic friend, Lizzie McCormick, whose playful spirit and mysterious trinkets hint at deeper stories waiting to be discovered.

Against a backdrop of steam‑driven progress and the restless energy of burgeoning industry, the narrative weaves together personal ambition, the promise of new technology, and the persistent pull of tradition. As Cricket observes the rise of turbines, railroads, and the restless ambitions of his community, he finds himself drawn into the early battles between innovation and conservatism. The story captures the optimism and uncertainty of a generation poised on the brink of transformative change, inviting listeners to experience the joys and perils of youthful hope in a rapidly evolving world.