The Ballad of Billy Lee - George Washington's Favorite Slave

"One of the most poignant untold stories in American history" - Joseph J. Ellis, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award bestselling historian. The novel has recently been optioned by prominent, multiple Emmy winning Producer-Director, Mark Stouffer, for a feature/mini-series on a major cable-television network. Billy Lee, an African-American slave was at George Washington's side for over 30 years. Although never a relationship between equals, it was an intimate and enduring connection. A superb horseman, brave soldier and literate aide, Billy stood next to Washington when he crossed the Delaware, galloped at Washington's side in battle--a slave, armed with a pistol, carbine and spyglass--served with him in frozen Valley Forge and through the difficult years to the final victory at Yorktown. He was responsible for Washington's public papers at Conventions and Congresses, but Billy remained a slave, always yearning to be freed, and his slavery cost him the love of his life, yet his loyalty to Washington was unwavering. Award-winning author Len Lamensdorf's latest novel, based on his acclaimed one-man play, is a unique and compelling "buddy" story, which delves into the quest for freedom, from the tyranny of England to the chains of slavery. Introduced by best-selling author, Joseph J. Ellis, "The Ballad of Billy Lee," deftly weaves the history of the American Revolution with the poignant story of one man's struggle for personal freedom against the background of powerful and seering events.