PROLOGUE April 7, 1917 Ypres, Belgium The massive bells rang out for what seemed an eternity from St. Martin, the partially destroyed ancient cathedral at Ypres in west Flanders. Activity around the Ypres salient had been unusually quiet for several weeks, and the soldiers asked each other what news the bells foretold. Surely, there could be no celebration here in the British lines. No ground had been gained, no successes realized in the recent months. Rather, a demoralizing stalemate was the present condition as front-line Tommies looked out across the devastated landscape between the endless cut of trench lines. As the tolling continued, the young American officer stepped outside into the brisk morning air to take in the scene and light his first Camel cigarette of the day. His gait was strong and his head erect, reflecting a military bear- ing. He was clean-shaven, with full black hair and uncommon icy-gray eyes that attracted notice. At twenty-seven years old, he felt vigorous, yet anxious. Captain Noah Clayton knew the message in the bells. He had been informed at first light that the United States had finally declared war on Germany and was now officially in the conflict come what may. His emotions were a mix of pride and enthusiasm tempered by the horrible reality of this war, a war he had been eyewitness to for the better part of a year. The young captain had left the Army War College in Washington in the

The historical fiction novel, American Janus by Douglas Shouse, is unique in that it brings to light episodes of late 19th century Southern history that

“American Janus” by Douglas W. Shouse is a fascinating exploration of the life of Harper Clayton, a Confederate veteran from North Carolina, and his family

The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was one of the most divisive and brutal conflicts in United States history. The war was