Books
A Killer at the Door: The Dramatic Prison Break and Manhunt for Convicted Murderer Danilo Cavalcante
Pre-orders for signed, first edition, first printing copies are being taken. Contact Bruce Mowday at mowday@mowday.com. Schiffer Publishing’s release date is February 28, 2025.
Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest
For 13 months in 1824 and 1825, the United States honored The Marquis de Lafayette. Hundreds of thousands of Americans greeted Lafayette as parades, banquets and reviews were held almost daily. No individual has ever been so celebrated.
Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest recounts to today’s students, and parents, why the Frenchman was so revered. He was instrumental in winning America’s freedom and independence!
Bruce worked with the American Friends of Lafayette to produce this book. Part of the proceeds go to the organization’s Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s visit to America. Contributing to the book were Alan R. Hoffman, President of the American Friends of Lafayette, and artist Shay Aubrey Allen.
To order signed first edition copies, e-mail Bruce E. Mowday at mowday@mowday.com. The cost of the book $14.99 plus $3.01 for shipping and handling. The total cost is $18.00.
The cost of the book $14.99 plus $3.01 for shipping and handling. The total cost is $18.00.
Emotional Brandywine
Author Bruce E. Mowday and artist Karl J. Kuerner are collaborating on their second book, Emotional Brandywine! Their first book, Emotional Gettysburg, has been successful with multiple printings. Karl’s paintings and Bruce’s essays will describe the emotions during and after one of the key battles of the American Revolution. The book is due to be released by the anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine, September 11. To order copies, contact Bruce at mowday@mowday.com.
Small Town Cops in the Crosshairs : The 1972 Sniper Slayings of Policemen William Davis and Richard Posey
The sniper killings of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, policemen William Davis and Richard Posey shocked the American public in November 1972 and garnered national coverage on the major news networks at the time. Fifty years later, this book, the first to cover the slayings, details the cold-blooded ambush of the two small-town law enforcement officers by a member of the murderous Johnston Gang. Using a high-powered rifle from a sniper’s nest, Johnston Gang member Ancell Hamm gunned down the officers in the early morning hours of November 15, 1972, just outside the town’s police station. Using period, local reportage and new interviews with law enforcement officials who worked the case, the meticulous investigation of the crime by members of the Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, Chester County detectives, and local police departments is recounted in detail, as is the trial. The book also details the lives of the victims, and the loss suffered by their families in this small southeastern Pennsylvania town. The foreword was written by former Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice William H. Lamb, who, as Chester County district attorney in the early 1970s, prosecuted the case. The book also includes new interviews with the convicted killer.
Binding: hard cover
ISBN: 9780764364426
PRICE: $24.99
To order a signed first edition copy, send $30.00 to Bruce Mowday, 160 Chandler Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero
Lafayette was an American hero. Without the assistance of Lafayette and France, America could not have won the American Revolution. The key event was Lafayette spilling his blood for America at the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. Bruce’s book reintroduces Lafayette and all of his worthy accomplishments.
Read about Bruce’s Travels with Lafayette.
to order a signed first edition copy, send $30.00 to Bruce Mowday, 160 Chandler Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
Emotional Gettysburg
Regent Press has released Bruce’s new book, Emotional Gettysburg! The unique view of the Pennsylvania town combines the history of the pivotal Civil War battle with Gettysburg today. Noted Brandywine Valley artist Karl J. Kuerner created 20 original paintings and Bruce wrote essays to go with the paintings. This is Bruce’s third book on Gettysburg.
To order signed first edition copies, send $38.00 (includes book and postage and handling) to Bruce Mowday, 160 Chandler Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
Stealing Wyeth
Barricade Books has released Bruce’s new true crime book Stealing Wyeth about the theft of 15 paintings from the estate of Andrew Wyeth. Most of the paintings were done by Andrew and his son Jamie. The book tells the story of local criminals, a master cat burglar, gamblers and murderers and how law enforcement secured the paintings and brought the criminals to justice.
To order signed copies, send $29.00 (includes book and postage and handling) to Bruce Mowday, 160 Chandler Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg
J. Howard Wert was a recent college graduate when the battle of Gettysburg took place near his home in July 1863. Wert was a spy for the Union and a guide during the battle of Gettysburg. He began collecting artifacts, the first one was a hot shell that almost hit him on Little Round Top. The book depicts many of the largest private collection of Gettysburg artifacts, including the podium used by President Lincoln during the Gettysburg address.
Price: $35.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Selling Your Book: A Step By Step Guide Tor Promoting And Selling Your Book
Social media has changed the way authors sell their books. Highly successful author Bruce Mowday gives advice on what has let him to gain more than $1 million in sales. To sell books, an author needs to master many skills. Authors need to be cunning and aggressive.
Not for sale
First Date Homicides
First Date Homicides is a work of fiction based on frightening facts. This novel is much more than historical fiction. The chilling details of brutal murders of Christians across the globe used in this book come straight from published reports. The book is more fact than fiction.
For the record, the central crimes in Chester County and Philadelphia are fiction. The characters are fictitious even though some have traits of real people. The information about the terrorism and the Christian genocide is real.
Published by Squire Cheyney Books. The cost is $19.95.
To order a copy send $23.00 (cost of book, postage and shipping) to Bruce Mowday, 160 Chandler Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
West Chester – Images of Modern America
“West Chester is a thriving modern American town that honors its historic past and has become a sought-after location to live. The community offers many exciting events during the year, including a professional bicycle race, parades, and art and restaurant festivals.” West Chester – Images of Modern America highlights what makes West Chester special.
Price: $23.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling
Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story
“Gettysburg holds a special place in the history of the Civil War and the United States,” said Publisher Carole Stuart. “This new book explores what the Union soldiers endured during the charge by the Southern forces. The story deserves recognition and has been overshadowed for more than a century by books and articles on General Robert E. Lee’s forces.”
Price: $20.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Life with Flavor: A Personal History of Herr’s
Jim Herr’s passion was to flame the entrepreneurial spirit within us. Jim believed that small businesses made our country strong. He also has a knack for keeping things simple. As President George H. W. Bush said about this book, “If you want valuable guidance on how to succeed in business and, more importantly, how to succeed in life, than Life with Flavor is a must read. Meet Jim Herr and learn. And whatever you do, do NOT skip Mim’s Notes in the Epilogue!”
Out of inventory
Richie Ashburn … Why The Hall Not. The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown
Phillies’ great Richie Ashburn is known as the most beloved athlete in the history of Philadelphia sports. National baseball broadcaster Tim McCarver has said so and called this book “marvelous.” Bruce Mowday tells the story of Ashburn signing an autograph for a young fan and years later how that fan helps Ashburn enter baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Price: $20 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Jailing the Johnston Gang
Serial murders Norman, David and Bruce A. Johnston Sr. terrorized Chester County and communities throughout the East Coast for decades. This book is the inside story of the dedicated law enforcement team that brought the killers to justice. Author Bruce Mowday covered the case as a newspaper reporter.
Hardback: SOLD OUT!
Paperback: $20.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia
United States history almost changed on September 11, 1777, as George Washington almost dies. Washington’s army also almost ceased to exist. This is the first book on the historic American Revolution battle that was the main battle of the Philadelphia Campaign. This was Lafayette’s first battle and the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia after the battle.
“This book (September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at
Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia) is a must read for local
history buffs and students of all ages since Mowday does
a wonderful job in telling the story.”
Book review by University History Professor
Hardback: SOLD OUT!
Paperback: $22.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Unlikely Allies: Fort Delaware’s Prison Community in the Civil War
Confederate prisoners in the Civil War were held at Fort Delaware, located on a small piece of ground, Pea Patch Island, in the middle of the Delaware River. The book tells the story of Southern prisoners trying to survive and Northern guards trying to endure the desolate outpost.
Hard cover books and soft bound books are sold out. E-books are available from the publisher and Amazon.
The Selling of an Author
The work of an author isn’t completed when the manuscript is written. Authors need to work to promote their work. This book provides authors with unique ideas to increase sales of their books.
“The Selling of an Author is ideal for anyone aspiring to make a
living from the craft of writing, regardless of personal experience in
the marketing realm. Highly recommended.”
Midwest Book Review
Not available
Along the Brandywine River
Postcards from Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine River Museum and the Battle of Brandywine are all contained in this pictorial history book. Mills galore, including ones of the du Pont empire, were all constructed along the Brandywine. Along the Brandywine River tells the story of the historic Brandywine River from its origins in Chester County to Wilmington, Delaware, through more than 200 vintage post cards.
Price: $22.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Eyewitness to the Settlement of the West
Jacob Wright Harlan was a member of the Donner party, took part in the gold rush, fought for California independence, met Captain John Freemont and owned parts of San Francisco. The book tells the true story of Harlan and recounts the Harlan family history, which dates to 1687 in New Castle, Delaware.
SOLD OUT
West Chester – Six Walking Tours
Walk the streets of West Chester, Pennsylvania, past where President Abraham Lincoln’s campaign biography was printed, stop and see the Tiffany glass in the town’s library and admire the architecture of many of the buildings designed by Thomas U. Walter, who designed the U.S. Capitol. West Chester was selected as a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. More than 4,200 structures are now in the National Register and this book explores the best of them in neighborhoods dating from 1686. It’s the perfect companion for strolling through West Chester’s streets on a beautiful day or as a memento for lovers of history, architecture and small town living.
Price: $20.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Chester County Mushroom Farming
The Mushroom Capitol of the World is located in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Vintage photographs depict the early growing process of mushrooms and the pioneers who began the American Mushroom Institute. This book traces the contributions of the Quaker, Italian and Hispanic cultures to the industry. The book highlights mushroom advertising, mushroom parades, mushroom clothing and all things mushroom.
Price: $22.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
West Chester
The historic town of West Chester, county seat of Chester County, Pennsylvania, is shown through more than 200 vintage postcards. The West Chester Normal School, now West Chester University, is seen as it appeared in the early 20th century. Horticultural Hall, scene of the first women’s convention in Pennsylvania, is located in West Chester along with many other historic buildings.
Price: $22.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Coatesville
Lukens Steel, a leader in the production of specialty steel began in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Rebecca Lukens, one of the first women CEOs in the nation ran Lukens. Many grand Victorian mansions dotted the streets of Coatesville in the early 20th century. Coatesville was also the site of the last lynching in the North. The town’s story is told through more than 200 photographs.
“Your lecture was very interesting and informative. I
learned a lot! Hope you write more books in the future.”
Price: $22.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Downingtown
The East Branch of the Brandywine River runs through Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The town was known for its paper and other mills. The more than 200 vintage photographs from the Downingtown Area Historical Society tell the story of town that pre-dates the American Revolution.
Price: $22.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Parkesburg
The town was first known as Fountain Inn after the 1730’s tavern. Parkesburg had Chester County’s first radio station and airfield in the early 20th century. Fountain Inn was renamed Parkesburg after prominent politician John G. Parke. The Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad, which later became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad, played a role in the town’s history. The book depicts Parkesburg in more than 200 vintage photographs.
Price: $22.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
The Republican Committee of Chester County
The book was researched and written to honor the 150th anniversary of founding of the Republican Party in Chester County. The book recounts those that formed the party and those that supported President Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President. The history of the GOP is recounted in the book.
SOLD OUT
The First 85 Years: A History of A. Duie Pyle
From a modest one-man operation, the A. Duie Pyle trucking company has grown into a diversified network of 30 facilities and 2,000 plus employees. Follow three generations of the Pyle-Latta family through the Great Depression, World War II, labor strife and industry deregulation and consolidation.
Not for Sale
Spanning the Centuries: The History of Caln Township in the American Landscape
Caln Township was part of Chester County, one of William Penn’s original three counties of Pennsylvania. Caln played a vital role in the development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Chester County. Co-authored along with daughter Melissa A. Mowday.
Not for Sale
CTDI: A Great Story to Tell
Communications Test Design, Inc. has a successful story to tell. The company founder had to build a garage to begin the business. After 40 years, the entrepreneurial company has become a respected international company.
Not for Sale