Staff Writer

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 by General Jackson in 1811, through an accidental spelling.

"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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