In the summer of 1935, a nasty career criminal by the name of George Barrett shot to death a young FBI agent beside a flower garden in the little town of College Corner, which sat astraddle the state line between Ohio and Indiana. Indeed, when the shooting occurred, Barrett fired from Indiana and the agent fell dead in Ohio. It was only one peculiarity of the case of Barrett vs. J. Edgar Hoover's fledgling agency as it struggled for supremacy over the rampaging criminal elements of the chaotic 1930s. The case made national headlines for a number of reasons: the Cincinnati agent, Nelson Klein, was the first FBI agent to be killed in the line of duty; his killer, Barrett, a one-time Kentucky moonshiner who had killed his own mother, was only the second man tried under a new federal statute that made the murder of a government agent a federal offenseand the first to be executed.

This authoritative and intimate biography, written by his only living son, Ronald Winston, marries the Gilded Age glamour and romance of Edith Wharton with the ruthless family dynamics of HBO’s hit series, Succession. Few American success stories rival that of Harry Winston. Born Harry Weinstein, he came from humble roots—his parents were poor Jewish immigrants who left Ukraine around 1890 for New York, where they settled and started a small jewelry business. His genius for spotting priceless gems emerged young. When Harry was twelve years old, he recognized a two-carat emerald in a pawn shop and bought it for 25 cents, selling it two days later for $800—a massive sum in the early 1900s. From that moment on, Harry became obsessed with gems, especially diamonds. A compact, unassuming man with no formal education, but unlimited drive and ambition, Harry Weinstein transformed himself into Harry Winston, the enigmatic figure who created the world’s most prestigious luxury brand. Harry Winston built his empire while the Depression raged, World War II reshaped the world, and America entered its post-war period of prosperity. In this riveting biography, readers get a bird’s eye view of the dangers of the diamond trade and the lengths men would go to get their hands on the best of the “rough.” There’s also a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous, who clamored for Winston’s gems. Although he traveled the world doing business with kings, queens, and movie stars, Winston remained a devoted family man, whose chief wish was that his sons carry on the legacy he had built. Harry’s older son Ronald Winston worked alongside his father for decades. After Harry’s death, Ron grew the company into the international brand that is still revered today. He ran it expertly, until he was forced to sell the company, due to his younger brother’s maligning litigation. This is the story of a family business that survived and thrived for more than a century, until it was undone by one, bitter family member. KING OF DIAMONDS is at once a portrait of American ingenuity at its best, and the story of sibling rivalry that is Shakespearean in its tragedy.

The Ultimate Western Collection is a monumental anthology that captures the rugged ethos and sweeping landscapes of the American frontier. Through a rich tapestry of narratives, this compilation spans a wide array of literary styles, from the gritty realism of pioneer life to the romanticized vistas of the Wild West. The anthology showcases the diversity and significance of the genre, including standout pieces that have shaped the cultural imagery of the American West. The esteemed array of authors contributes stories that vary from high adventure to introspective character studies, each adding depth and nuance to the understanding of the Western ethos. The contributors to this anthology, including luminaries like Mark Twain, Willa Cather, and Jack London, among others, bring with them backgrounds as diverse as the landscapes they describe. Their collective works, rooted in different epochs of American history, offer a panoramic view of the cultural, social, and economic forces that have shaped the American West. By aligning with historical, cultural, or literary movements, these authors enrich the anthology's thematic coherence, providing readers with an immersive experience into the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Western life. The Ultimate Western Collection offers readers a unique opportunity to delve into the multifaceted world of Western literature. It is an educational journey through the heart and soul of America, encouraging exploration of its vast and varied narratives. Through its comprehensive selection, the anthology fosters a dialogue between the works of established masters and lesser-known authors, each contributing distinct voices to the collective story of the American frontier. It is a must-read for anyone eager to explore the depth and breadth of Western literature, and to understand the enduring allure of the Wild West.

THE CALL OF THE WILD WEST - Ultimate Western Collection is an unparalleled anthology that brings together over 175 novels and short stories from the pens of some of the most celebrated authors in the American literary canon. This collection features a vast array of themes, including the rugged beauty of the American frontier, the complex relationships between man and nature, and the tumultuous path towards justice and redemption. Embedded within its pages are tales that traverse the whole of the Western genre, from thrilling adventures to poignant histories, all aimed at exploring the essence of what it means to confront the wild unknown. The anthology stands as a testament to the diversity and significance of the Western narrative, offering readers standout pieces that highlight the periods dynamic range of literary stylesfrom the raw realism of Twain to the romanticized vistas by Grey. The contributing authors, a veritable whos who of the literary world, including but not limited to Mark Twain, Willa Cather, and Jack London, bring a rich tapestry of backgrounds to the collection. Their collective works encapsulate not only the evolving character of the American West but also the broader shifts in American culture and literature. The anthology aligns with key historical and cultural movements such as Manifest Destiny and the taming of the frontier, enabling a multifaceted exploration of these themes through the prism of various literary movements. By amalgamating the distinct voices and narratives of authors who have defined the genre, the collection invites readers to a deeper understanding of the enduring myths and realities of the American West. THE CALL OF THE WILD WEST - Ultimate Western Collection offers readers an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the Western genre in all its complexity and grandeur. It is an imperative read for those who wish to delve into the rich narrative of American expansion and the diverse interpretations of frontier life. Beyond its educational value, the anthology serves as a platform for the intricate dialogues between different periods, themes, and styles, encapsulated within the Western tradition. It invites lovers of history, literature, and culture to explore the depths of human resilience and the landscapes that shaped Americas literary heritage.