Peterborough author Mark McLaughlin has been a writer, journalist, author and game-designer for nearly 50 years. He will be at The Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. to introduce and sign copies of his latest book “Throne Of Darius: The Fight Against Alexander The Great”.
“Throne of Darius”, the first in a series about characters (real and imagined) who fought against Alexander the Great is a story of high adventure, romance and war – especially war, told with heart and a sense of humor.
McLaughlin paints a unique and irreverent portrait of Alexander the Great, who certainly was not “great” to everyone. Unlike the majority of historical and literary works, this novel does not glorify the Macedonian king but instead tells the tale of the young conqueror from the point of view of those who fought against him.
McLaughlin’s works include two history books, “The Wild Geese” and “Battles of the American Civil War”, and the science fiction novel “Princess Ryan’s Star Marines” (as well as a board game of the same name). He has published 24 board games, the most recent being Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea, which will be followed by Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East.
Although his principal work as a journalist over the last 40 years has been in foreign affairs, he also writes on everything from travel and entertainment to serious position papers.
McLaughlin resides in Peterborough with the love of his life (and wife of over 40 years), Cheryl. They have two grown children: a son, Campbell, and a daughter, Ryan, the princess for whom the game and novel were named. He is an avid miniatures painter and wargamer, and has been fighting out the battles of Alexander and his era for more than half a century.
This event is free and all are welcome. For more information, call the bookstore at 924-3543.