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New Book Reveals the Forgotten Story of America's First Hero
"John Manley's life is full of surprises," says Sheldon. "Like the time he was defended in a lawsuit by John Adams—and won."
In 1776, Captain John Manley was a hero, his naval exploits celebrated in song and reported by newspapers across the colonies. George Washington and John Adams praised him, and even the British acknowledged him as "the only man of real courage they have at sea." But today, John Manley is largely forgotten, and even his final resting place remains unmarked.
In his new book, Captain John Manley: Patriot, Privateer, and America’s Forgotten First Hero, Kenneth M. Sheldon uncovers the remarkable story of this neglected patriot. Based on years of research in naval archives, contemporary newspapers, and previously unpublished documents, it is the first comprehensive biography of the man Washington’s aide called “our hero of the sea.”
“John Manley’s life is full of surprises,” says Sheldon. “Like the time he was defended in a lawsuit by John Adams—and won.”
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Patrick K. O'Donnell, bestselling author of The Indispensables, says, “John Manley was a true hero of the Revolutionary War—much of his life reads like a thriller, which Ken Sheldon marvelously brings to life with deep research…Highly recommended.”
In his review, historian James L. Nelson, author of George Washington's Secret Navy, said, "Manley's life and exploits seem more the stuff of naval fiction, and they are brought to life in Sheldon's narrative, which is readable, well-researched and fast-paced.”
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Ken Sheldon is the author of Deep Water: Murder, Scandal, and Intrigue in a New England Town. Formerly the West Coast Bureau Chief for Byte Magazine, he has written for Yankee Magazine, New Hampshire Magazine, and many other publications.
Captain John Manley will be released on October 13—the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy—by Harmon House. It will be available at bookstores, online retailers, and from the author’s website, kensheldon.com..
BOOK INFORMATION
Title: Captain John Manley: Patriot, Privateer, and America’s Forgotten First Hero
Author: Kenneth M. Sheldon
Publisher: Harmon House
Publication date: October 13, 2026
Pages: 300
Hardcover: $29.95 — ISBN 978-0-9909394-9-8
Paperback: $18.95 — ISBN 979-8-9949323-0-8
Ebook: $9.99 — ISBN 979-8-9949323-1-5
Subjects: American Revolution; Naval History; Biography
