New York: Chester House, (1985) dj. SIGNED hardcover first edition - Novel of Southern life between 1859-1877, from before the Civil War through Reconstruction, one which combines the story of a matriarch determined to protect her family who nevertheless becomes involved in the tragedy of the newly freed people trapped by the black codes and the corruption in Washington. SIGNED on the front endpaper with the words "best wishes." 395 pp. ISBN: 0-935763007.