Peachtree City author Dr. Stan Applegate led young readers on

a sensorially guided tour of the Natchez Trace Saturday,

using descriptive passages from his newly released historical

novel, "Natchez Under the Hill." The book is a sequel to "The

Devil's Highway," which was published last fall.

Part teacher and part author, Applegate spoke to a small

but loyal following of parents and their children at the Peachtree City

Library. His detailed observations of life in 1811 make reading

his novels about 14-year old Zeb and 10-year old Hannah an

adventure in history.

"In 1811, the Natchez Trace was the most traveled highway

in America, and also the most dangerous," he said. Originally an

old Buffalo Indian trail, the Trace was opened up for travel in 1803

after the Louisiana Purchase, he explained. It serves as the setting

for his ongoing narration about Zeb, a Tennessee farm boy in search

of his grandfather lost along the Trace, and his traveling

companion, Hannah, a sharp-witted young girl who is half-Choctaw,

looking for her family. Their trials and tribulations add up to a

fast-paced read chock-full of historical facts.

Applegate describes Zeb as a "rascal." "He can't help but

show off," he said. The author's lively presentation of his latest

work brought out his own particular brand of playful mischief.

"Would Zeb say 'OK'?" Applegate quizzed the audience. Using

"OK" in 1811 would be historically incorrect: the term was coined

"Always check your facts," Applegate said. A cardboard

carton containing about a half-dozen reference books covering

everything from folk lore to horses indicated the author practices

what he preaches. From a volume detailing life in the 1800s

Applegate learned that store-bought pants were nonexistent. The type

of horse Zeb was originally going to ride in the book was not

brought into the United States until later in the century, so Applegate had

to change his choice of mount. "It was fun," he said about his

research, but it also meant some revisions.

Applegate, a former educator who has held a number of

positions here and abroad, lives in Peachtree City. He is scheduled

to autograph copies of "Natchez Under the Hill" April 10

from 1:30 until 3:30 at Omega Book Center in Peachtree City. Prior

to the signings, he will read from his latest title at the Cruse Coffee

Co. located next door to Omega in the A&P Shopping Center.

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