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Author e-blast from Stephen Puleo
September 2026
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Greetings, dear readers, and I hope you enjoyed the summer!
This issue is a bit shorter than usual, but I still think it contains some great information -- most especially, I'm honored to share the cover image for my upcoming book, THE PENICILLIN MIRACLE: A Deadly Fire, World War II, and the Dawn of the Antibiotics Age (coming in August 2027).
I announced the topic last issue, but it feels even "more real" to me now that we have a cover image!
You'll find a few more items in here, including an essay on Alexander Graham Bell that I wrote for "Constituting America" as part of the organization's commemoration of the country's 250th anniversary; information on Boston's new North End Historical Society Museum; a thanks to an Iowa book club that chose one of my books; a reminder of the DARK TIDE classics edition that will be out in early January, a quick summary of my upcoming fall schedule, and as always, my book recommendations for your reading pleasure (besides mine).
Please let me know your thoughts on the e-blast or share anything else you’d like by contacting me at spuleo@aol.com. Because I respect your time and fully recognize the flood of emails you receive, I try to limit these newsletters to 3-4 per year (I've had several readers say they appreciate this!). For those "in-between times" and more "breaking news," I hope you’ll follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and Linkedin.
And, of course, I hope you'll participate in my new exclusively-for-my-readers platform, The Speakeasy, which I remind you about below, where we can share thoughts, ideas, and information.
More than anything, I enter the Fall season with an attitude of gratitude for your constant support and interest. Thank you so much, and I'll see you in December with a recap of my events and a peek into next year!
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I'm Thrilled to Share the Cover Image
of My Upcoming Book
THE PENICILLIN MIRACLE:
A Deadly Fire, World War II, and the Dawn of the Antibiotics Age
Publication date is set for August 31, 2027!
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In my last newsletter, I announced the topic of my upcoming book (number 9!): THE PENICILLIN MIRACLE: A Deadly Fire, World War II, and the Dawn of the Antibiotics Age, to be published by St. Martin's Press on August 31, 2027!
I promised to share the cover when it was ready and here it is! I think it's stunning and I hope you agree.
I think it's the ideal blend of old and new -- contemporary and elegant on the one hand, and retro and with a clear WWII feel on the other.
I’m so impressed with the beautiful look and the sleek and uncluttered feel of the jacket. The WWII battlefield penicillin vial standing alone at the top gives you a feeling of starkness, and at the same time, conveys importance for the topic – and also lets the reader know that this is a work of history with a medical component, not a “medical” book. The subtitle, which resembles the label on the penicillin vial, also reinforces this. And the type font on both the title and the subhead really pop.
Finally, I couldn’t be happier with the rich and dramatic shade of blue – I think this beautiful image will stand out at bookstores and signing events, as well as online.
Let me know what you think and please start spreading the word about THE PENICILLIN MIRACLE
As I mentioned last issue in my summary of the new book, few stories in all of the twentieth century, or any century, are as compelling as the cultivation, isolation, purification, stabilization, testing, mass production, and widespread distribution of penicillin during World War II – the equivalent of a “medical Manhattan Project,” in the words of one U.S. government official. While most Americans are at least partially familiar with the secret effort that produced the atomic bombs, few are aware of its public health equivalent – the “penicillin miracle” that produced the new “wonder drug,” as it was called repeatedly in the 1940s.
This herculean project occurred at lightning speed and with unprecedented cooperation between British (Oxford) and U.S. researchers and among the U.S. government, pharmaceutical companies, universities, and medical professionals working across numerous geographic locations – Oxford, Washington, D.C., Boston, Brooklyn, and Peoria, Illinois, among others.
Its success reshaped the world in the battle against fatal and debilitating infections, first from disease and war wounds suffered by U.S. and Allied soldiers, and then from injuries and illnesses that beset civilians in the U.S. and overseas.
Like so many major scientific and technological breakthroughs and social upheavals of the 1940s – the splitting of the atom, the invention of radar and sonar, the massive movement of women into the workplace, the creation of the computer and defense industries, the birth of intelligence agencies – the full penicillin story was driven by the Second World War and how the Allies could win it.
You'll be hearing more about the book in future newsletters and on social media. In the meantime, you can read additional information from my website here.
I feel like I know most of you personally. Many of you have written to me about my books, talked to me at presentations, and posted comments online. I feel confident in saying that I truly think you'll love THE PENICILLIN MIRACLE narrative. I enjoyed researching and writing it -- all the while keeping you in mind!!
I hope the cover image gets you excited for THE PENICILIN MIRACLE!
| Reminder: To sign up for The Speakeasy, just go here and put in your email and select a password (If you’re receiving this e-blast, you’ve already shared your email with me -- thanks for that; any password you choose remains confidential to you. That's how simple it is). Once you’ve entered The Speakeasy, you’ll see topic area tiles (shown here) labeled “Books,” “History,” “Medley” and “Ask Me Anything.” You'll see posts from me, and you can post your comments accordingly. | | |
Just In Case You Missed Last Issue:
DARK TIDE Has Been Named A Beacon Press "Classic" as Publisher Approaches its 175th Anniversary Year!
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The "Beacon Classics" Hardcover Edition of DARK TIDE -- on sale January 5, 2027! The cover design matches the other Beacon Classics style
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The current paperback edition of DARK TIDE will continue to be sold, as will the e-book and audiobook versions!
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I told this story last issue, but in case you missed it, I thought it was worth repeating:
I received word at the beginning of the summer from Beacon Press that my book, DARK TIDE: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 has been named a Beacon Press "Classic" as the publisher approaches its 175th anniversary year in 2029!
In the countdown to the anniversary, Beacon will be releasing only 60 books in total (one book per month, 2025-2029 inclusive) from its backlist of thousands of titles! These will be special deluxe, limited-edition hardcover books, with a "retro" cover feel using the color palette from the original. The regular paperback edition of DARK TIDE will continue to be sold, as will the e-book and audiobook versions.
The DARK TIDE Classics edition will be the January 2027 book release (after all, the flood was in January), and will be on sale January 5, 2027.
Beacon's message on this announcement: "We are excited to include DARK TIDE: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 in our new Beacon Classics series. As you can imagine, selecting a handful of titles from over 170 years' worth of books is no easy feat. Our hope with the series is to highlight Beacon Press's wide and rich publishing history, and we could not envision doing so without including your work."
These Classic editions will be treated as regular "front list" titles and sold everywhere -- Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, online retailers, gift shops, museum stores; and they will be available at libraries, too!
I'm so grateful that in the 23 years since its debut, DARK TIDE has received a great deal of praise from readers, community organizations, librarians, booksellers, students and teachers, the media, reviewers, and many others. This honor from Beacon is especially rewarding -- and it could not have happened without your support and continuous word-of-mouth recommendations of DARK TIDE.
Thank you all for being wonderful DARK TIDE ambassadors -- and be sure to look for your copy of the classic hardcover edition in the new year!
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An Update on My Two Essays to "Constituting America" and its "Consent of the Governed" Initiative as Part of
Our Nation's 250th Anniversary Celebration!
The First Essay, on Alexander Graham Bell, is Now Posted!
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In my last newsletter, I let you know that I was asked by Constituting America to contribute two essays as part of its initiative called, "Consent of the Governed: Celebrating America's 250th of the Declaration of Independence." The organization is committed to teaching students and adults across America about the "nonpartisan relevancy of the U.S. Constitution and the principles of self-governance inherent in our founding documents."
While the Constitution won't celebrate its 250th anniversary until 2037, Constituting America recognizes the inherent link between the Declaration's commitment to equality and liberty, and the Constitution's role and ongoing commitment in codifying those principles into law.
The "Consent of the Governed" initiative focused on monumental events in history, how they relate to the founding documents, and the heroes who acted on those principles.
My essays are now complete and accepted. The first, which focuses on Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone, and how it connected Americans and facilitated instant communications is now posted! You can read or listen to it here (the audio is about 11 minutes).
I hope you enjoy it -- let me know what you think!
My second essay, about the Allied D-Day invasion of Normandy in World War II on June 6, 1944, will be live and posted later this fall -- I'll give you an update on that in my December newsletter.
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I Love Hearing from the Heartland! My Thanks to a Book Club in Osceola, Iowa for Choosing VOYAGE OF MERCY!
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I always love hearing from the heartland!
My thanks to the Osceola, Iowa Public Library's Nonfiction Book Club for selecting my book, VOYAGE OF MERCY, as its August read! Library Director Francis Acland said members really enjoyed the book and learned a great deal about an episode in U.S. history that they were largely unfamiliar with (the remarkable U.S. response to the Irish famine).
Members also noted the irony that once many Irish arrived in the U.S., they were not treated with as much sympathy by many Americans as they were when they were suffering in Ireland.
"People thought the book was well-written, and were interested in other books you have written," Francis said. "Overall, a great pick for the book club!"
Thanks to Osceola, Iowa for the support!
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Boston's North End Historical Museum is Open
-- and It's Great! Please Make Time for a Visit!
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It's a marvelous thing to see hard work pay off and a vision realized!
For 7 years, Tom Damigella, President of Boston's North End Historical Society, has envisioned a North End Historical Museum, a place where people from around the world could visit to learn about the historic North End, America’s first neighborhood -- and still one of its most vibrant. And now his vision has been achieved!
The new museum opened in July and it’s already a huge success! This special place depicts the nearly 400-year history of the North End -- from its important colonial and Revolutionary history, and later, as home to successive waves of Irish, Jewish, Portuguese, and Italian immigrants. Kate and I had the opportunity to tour it early, and all we could say was “WOW!”
It is located at 3 Prince St. on Boston's Freedom Trail, adjacent to historic North Square and only steps from the Paul Revere House.
The team has done an amazing job telling the 400-year history of the country's "first neighborhood," complete with an impressive digital timeline that lets you select which historical era(s) you'd like to see, interactive "please touch" exhibits that give you a flavor of the neighborhood, and films, presentations, and artifacts that bring North End history to life. The dedicated team of board members, volunteers, and talented designers from Trivium Interactive and Vector5 have turned this space into a true tribute to the historic North End.
The museum does not encompass a large footprint, but Kate and I were particularly impressed by how much information is contained within, while making great use of open space. If you are a fan of history and/or the North End, you will enjoy the neighborhood's first museum.
For Tom Damigella, this has been a true labor of love, and he has received “heartwarming” support for the project. He offered profound thanks to restaurateur and business owner Frank DePasquale, who purchased the real estate in this prime location; to State Rep. Aaron Michiewitz, who was instrumental in obtaining a $200,000 state grant to anchor the fundraising effort; to the "fantastic" support from the community and the general public during an aggressive 16-month fundraising campaign to fully fund the museum; and to an "enthusiastic and devoted" team of board members, volunteers, and talented designers from Trivium Interactive and Vector5, whose work will make the museum an educational, interesting, interactive, and inspiring place to visit.
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A rendering of the
Museum's footprint and content!
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The Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday) from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The very reasonable admission price is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors (62+) and those with a military or student ID; $5 for children aged 13-18; and free for children 12 and under.
It's hard to imagine a more enjoyable experience than visiting this new museum and then going out to eat the best Italian food in the country at one of the many outstanding North End restaurants.
I've set two books in the North End (DARK TIDE and THE BOSTON ITALIANS), I conduct regular neighborhood tours, and my dad and his entire family grew up there. I love the neighborhood, and I'm thrilled that this museum will chronicle its amazing history. I thank Tom and his entire team for first envisioning such a place, and then refusing to rest until their dream was achieved!
To find out more, visit the museum's website here!
| | Barnes & Noble Store Selects DARK TIDE Among Books on "Best of New England History" Shelf! | | | | |
It was a summertime treat to walk into my "home" Barnes & Noble (Hingham, MA), and see DARK TIDE anchoring the "Best in New England History" shelf!
Twenty-three years after its debut, the story of the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 still resonates with readers.
Thanks to all of you for your amazing support of this book -- none of it happens without you!
| | | In Honor of America's 250th Anniversary... | | | |
Ten years ago when I published AMERICAN TREASURES: The Secret Effort to Save the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address, I was blessed to be able to examine original source documents relating to the founding of the United States of America, and to fully understand how important these documents are today. What better time than this Fall, as our 250th anniversary year winds down, to learn more about the debates and events of 250 years ago, and the efforts to protect its founding documents? I was honored to speak on this book in the spring and have an event on this topic scheduled this Fall as well (see below).
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Quick Update on
Fall Speaking Events!
I'm looking forward to a fun Fall speaking season. I've made 750 appearances as an author, and there's nothing I enjoy more than meeting with readers and people who love books. Note that this list below does not include book clubs, and that last-minute events could be added.
You can keep up with my appearance schedule at my website here.
I'll report on these events in my December newsletter!
October 15: I'll be at the Hanson (MA) Public Library, 132 Marquan St. at 6:00 p.m. to discuss THE BOSTON ITALIANS. Find out more here!
October 21: On behalf of The Wilmington (MA) Sons & Daughters of Italy, I'll be speaking at the Wilmington Senior Center, 130 Main St (Rte 38) at 7:00 p.m. It's an Italian Heritage Month talk entitled: Christopher Columbus: The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Find out more here!
October 24: This is a private event, but I'm excited about it so I'm sharing with you: I'll be speaking (as noted above) about my book, AMERICAN TREASURES, for the MA State Organization of the Delta Gamma Society International as part of the organization's America' 250 anniversary comemmoration.
October 29: Here's another that is essentially closed to the public, but you know how much I love speaking at schools, so I wanted to share. I'll be at Walpole (MA) High School to talk about DARK TIDE: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 to a few AP History classes. My thanks to teachers Tim Giblin and Jamie O'Leary for using my book in their curricula!
November 7: I'm scheduled to be back in Walpole, MA, this time for an event that you CAN attend if you're in the area. Join me at the Walpole Barnes and Noble, 90 Providence Highway, between 1:00-4:00 for a general book signing! Hope to see you and spend a few minutes chatting.
November 17: If you're visiting Newport Rhode Island, I hope you'll come and see me talk about my book, VOYAGE OF MERCY, on behalf of the Museum of Newport Irish HIstory's 25th Annual Lecture Series. The event will be held at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in nearby Middletown, R.I. (240 Aquidneck Ave), and the talk begins at 6:00 p.m. The lecture info is not posted yet, but when it is, you can find out more here!
| | | | As Always, My Thanks to You | | | | |
I say it every time I publish a newsletter, and many times in between, and I'll say it once more: THANK YOU!
I'm so grateful for your support, and especially to those who have honored me with their loyalty and encouragement for so many years.
I’ve been enormously blessed as an author and it all starts with you!
Whether you are a loyal and devoted reader, a good friend or family member, a school administrator or teacher, a member of a library staff, a book club member, a podcaster, a student who loves history or writing, part of a community organization, a corporate or non-profit staffer, a publicity professional, someone who has taken a North End tour with me, or a member of the media (and maybe you fill more than one of these roles!) -- you have all done so much to make my author career very special.
Thanks for your attendance at my author appearances, your emails, your visits to my website, your responses to my social media posts, your book purchases, and your general well wishes.
With eight published books, a ninth on the way, and 750 appearances since this author journey began, I have been humbled by your support.
My wife Kate and I are profoundly grateful! We can't say it enough. We are truly honored that you're all members of the "Puleo team."
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And finally, a few books (besides mine)
for your reading pleasure..
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Those of you who have received my e-blasts before know that I like to recommend nonfiction books (with an occasional fiction title thrown in) from other authors that I think you'll enjoy. Many of you have let me know that you appreciate this, which I'm glad to hear. I love talking about books, so consider this our online book club conversation.
For previous books I've recommended, you can always go to my "What I'm Reading" section of my Website (this issue's selections will be added shortly).
My recommendations for this issue are all nonfiction:
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ON DESPERATE GROUND: The Marines at the Reservoir, the Korean War's Greatest Battle, by Hampton Sides
For some time now, I've been telling myself that I need to read more about the Korean War. I'm so glad I began with this book (published in 2018), which focuses on the brutal and deadly battle at the Chosin Reservoir, is beautifully written and dramatic -- very hard to put down. Hampton Sides is an excellent nonfiction writer, and he puts his talents to great use in his telling of the 20,000 men of the First Marine Division and their harrowing -- and heroic -- encounter with 300,000 Chinese soldiers who had secretly crossed the Manchurian border. Faced with annihilation, and temperatures that plunged to twenty degrees below zero, Sides tells the iconic story of how the marines fought with amazing courage as they marched their way to the sea. Along the way, he lets us know who these men were by focusing on several and telling their stories. Want to know what ordinary men are capable in the most extreme circumstances? Read this book and learn about the heroism of these U.S. Marines.
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THE WAGER: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder, by David Grann
I was a Johnny-come-lately to this book, which (deservedly) was all the rage when it was published in 2023. David Grann was also the author of the celebrated Killers of the Flower Moon, which I did read -- and I believe The Wager was even better! It tells the true story of a shipwreck in 1742, and the thirty emaciated men -- from the British ship Wager -- who washed up on the coast of Brazil. What follows is a tale of incredible survival, mutiny, betrayal, and a court-martial. David Grann's strong sourcing, excellent narrative pace, and real-life twists make this story a pleasure to read.
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GHOSTS OF SICILY: The True Story of the Naval Intelligence Agents Who Courted the Mob to Fight Nazis in America and the Battlefields of Italy, by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll
It's 1942 and New York City, along with the rest of the country, is at war. German u-boats are sinking Allied merchant ships just miles offshore, and the U.S. government is convinced that German waterfront spies are providing intelligence targeting the ships. To thwart the threat, the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) reaches out to those with the most power along the waterfronts of Brooklyn and Manhattan -- the mob. The result was a triumph for ONI and one of the most successful and controversial operations in the history of what we now know as NCIS. The Navy's alliance with Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Vito Genevese, Meyer Lansky, and other organized crime figures lead to the hunting of German spy rings on U.S. soil, and to daring undercover missions before and during the invasion of Italy. Enjoy this one, co-written by actor Mark Harmon, who starred as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the hit television series, NCIS.
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