Rich Man's Coffin

Gardner's debut novel, Rich Man's Coffin, won the 2002 San Diego Book Award for Best Biographical Novel. Many prominent names in the writing world thought it worthy of a Pulitzer Prize. Others were not so enthusiastic, as evidenced by the reviews below.With this Special 10th Anniversary Edition, Gardner has enhanced the original excitement of this story, crafting it further into a leaner, lighter, and more moving style for the reader. Lovers of adventure and action alike will find this remarkable character's journey a delight to read, right up to the climactic end. Based on the true story of an escaped American slave, this legend is like no other: A sea adventure turning into a barbaric clash with primitive culture, a quest full of romance and passion; and the lust for land, power, and freedom. This gripping tale has it all.Hundreds of hours of meticulous research were poured into this book after the author stumbled across the hero's name on a parks and recreation sign along a remote beach in New Zealand. Stranded and penniless, much like the protagonist of his story, Gardner fully immersed himself in the project. He wrote the original 400-page manuscript longhand in thirty days, transcribing it later on a library computer; all while battling homelessness and hunger in a foreign country. The finished product was raw but readable.Enjoy this polished edition, and feel free to leave a review for the new and improved Kindle version of the book.About the AuthorKenneth Gardner began writing at the age of six with his first book, The Devil's Gold. His first novel, Rich Man's Coffin, was written while he enjoyed a sabbatical in New Zealand. His busy career includes graduating from the University of North Carolina with honors as a National Merit Scholar, a stint in the Navy aboard nuclear submarines, and traveling the world. He lives in San Diego, California.