Tarnished Armor, Captains and Lords, The Matriarchs: the first three richly researched historical novels by Edward T. Slavin loosely based on his own family tree. These works take the reader on a journey that starts in 1755, with a protagonist who personifies selfishness, greed and corruption, and leaves us in 1885. The first three novels take us through barrooms and bedchambers, showing their characters' virtues and blemishes as they fight in bloody battles, sail the high seas, struggle against raging hormones, and give full reign to their most passionate impulses. Babies are born; sons and mothers die; virginal lasses become lustful lovers. Legacies as well as journals are handed down, revealing much about these men and women who lived their lives to the fullest. Be Worth Loving This is a charming story about my Great-Grandmother, our first Matriarch, relating a very personal view of motherhood as the head of a large family that takes place in Ireland between 1885 and 1900. "Be Worth Loving" is the motto that supported John Hickey all his life; instilled in his children. This happy story features a small portion of the full life of Winifred, Captain John Hickey's daughter. With eight children raised and successful, Winifred Hickey Welsh finds love in the discovery of Brian Donovan's thirty-eight year infatuation; marries Brian and is the busiest semi-retired woman in Ireland. As you read and become involved with Winifred Hickey Welsh Donovan you will be glad knowing this grand matriarch. * * * My last visit to Ireland and was the month of May, 2001, touring every county by automobile. photographing and visiting churches and cemeteries, pubs and museums, towns, streets and villageswhere my family lived, worked and died. Though the names, time periods, and places are factual...the characters are the product of my imagination, based solely on my mothers reminiscences, faucets of my friends and family members personalities. Sincerely, Edward T. Sl