Exploring the history, mystery and wonder of Maine!

In the preface of his new book, Harry explains, “For this book I have chosen to write about twelve of the several dozen forts that were built in Maine. Some that I have selected are large—others are small. They range from early sixteenth-century forts to the Civil War forts that were built in the middle of the nineteenth century. Geographically, they represent a diverse collection of Maine’s forts. In the case of each I have focused on the actions of a particular individual or individuals whose connections with that fort’s history makes a particularly interesting story.”

Harry has also written about mariners on the Maine Coast, Mainers in the Civil War, and Maine history. In Stories From the Maine Coast, explores the history of Maine through the connection with its coastline. The lives of these Mariners included fishing and shipbuilding, as well as their travels along maritime routes.

In Mainers in the Civil War, Harry recounts the lives of Mainers who fought in the Civil War. “This is more than a memoir of soldiers and sailors—it’s a series of brief biographies of notable and lesser-known persons who participated in what was surely the most calamitous event in the history of the United States,” explains David D. Platt, former editor of The Working Waterfront. Hannibal Hamlin, Maine native, served as Vice President; Maine’s residents met Lincoln’s call for volunteers with enthusiasm.

Finally, Harry’s work extends beyond military and maritime history. Both Hidden History of Maine and Penobscot Bay: People, Ports and Pastimes chronicle interesting and lesser known facts about Maine. “Author Harry Gratwick unearths some captivating stories about Mainers you probably haven’t heard about before. They are all part of a well-documented history-and to the author’s credit, he is quick to acknowledge the many sources from whence his facts are drawn,” according to Carl Little, Maine author. Hidden History of Maine includes tales about inventors, an opera singer, and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Penobscot Bay provides intimate details of the close-knit communities of Mid-coast Maine. He captures the essence of Penobscot Bay. “This is an eclectic, entertaining collection told with an engaging style and a flair for storytelling,” David A. Tyler.