Rigors of early automobile travel detailed in Hepzy Moore Cook’s Model T travel journal

SUNBURY PRESS BOOKS

Vermillion, SD — Sunbury Press has released Touring America by Automobile in the 1920s, William A. Cook’s compilation of his grandmother’s, Hepzy Moore Cook, travel journals.

About the Book:

A true labor of love, author William Cook has reproduced his grandmother’s (Hepzy Moore Cook) narrative of the day-to-day rigors in early twentieth century vacation travel by automobile.  The journals describe in great detail, a more remote, less accessible nation that existed ninety years ago during the dawn of America’s love affair with the car.  The oldest of the two journals written by Hepzy Moore Cook chronicles a challenging and sometimes very hazardous journey by automobile taken by her, the author’s grandfather, Dr. William A. Cook and father, Ralph Moore Cook in August, 1920 from Vermillion, South Dakota to Yellowstone National Park and back again to Vermillion, covering 3,180 grueling miles in the process.

Contents:

PROLOGUE: A Brief History of the Automobile and…

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Doug Beed’s Vietnam memoir is the Sunbury Press bestseller for March

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. —  Sunbury Press has released the bestsellers list for March. Doug Beed’s Chasing Understanding in the Jungles of Vietnam: My Year as a Black Scarf took the top spot. Embattled Freedom by Jim Remsen was runner up.

SUNBURY PRESS – Bestsellers for March, 2017 (by Revenue)
Rank Last Month Title Author Category
1 NEW Chasing Understanding in the Jungles of Vietnam Doug Beed Memoir
2 12 Embattled Freedom Jim Remsen History
3 33 Dead of Spring Sherry Knowlton Thriller Fiction
4 15 American Berserk Bill Morris Memoir
5 The Journey Called Life Christina Burns Memoir
6 14 Tories, Terror, and Tea John L Moore History
7 5 Call Sign Dracula Joe Fair Vietnam Memoir
8 49 The Sea is a Thief David Parmalee Historical Fiction
9 11 The Sign of the Eagle Jess Steven Hughes Historical Fiction
10 Wonder Boy: The Story of Carl Scheib Lawrence Knorr Biography
11 9 Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last, 2nd Ed. Mike Campbell History
12 Dinorific Poetry Volume 2 Mike & Ethan Sgrignoli Childrens
13 Dinorific Poetry Volume 3 Mike & Ethan Sgrignoli Childrens
14 Strange Magic Catherine Jordan, et al Short Stories
15 26 The Ripper’s Haunts Michael Hawley History
16 42 Where Elephants Fought Bridget Smith Historical Fiction
17 4 Seinsoth Steven k Wagner Sports Biography
18 The Savage Apostle John Kachuba Historical Fiction
19 6 The B Team Alan Mindell Sports Fiction
20 The Cogan Legend Robert Miller Historical Fiction
21 7 The Closer Alan Mindell Sports Fiction
22 From Blue Ground Joe Harvey YA Fiction
23 Dying for Vengeance J M West Thriller Fiction
24 NEW Miss Feesenschneezen Is Ill David Parmalee Middle Grade Fiction
25 Courting Doubt and Darkness J M West Thriller Fiction
26 Darkness at First Light J M West Thriller Fiction
27 NEW The Silent Woman Keith Rommel Psycho Thriller
28 13 Planet Jesus #1: Flesh & Blood Doug & Shaun Brode Supernatural Fiction
29 Visions of Teaoga Jim Remsen YA Fiction
30 NEW What Waits Beneath Thomas Malafarina Horror
31 Fireproof Moth Mile Thornberry History
32 16 Living in the Afterlife Michele Livingston Spirituality
33 18 Pit Bulls Anthony Julian History
34 History of Lykens Township Volume 1 Gratz Historical Society History
35 Skunks, Nuts, and Other Stories John L Moore Family History
36 H is for Hershey Heather Paterno Childrens
37 There Is Something about Rough and Ready Lawrence Knorr, et al History
38 50 That Night at Surigao Ernie Marshall History
39 31 Bows, Bullets, and Bears John L Moore History
40 38 Keystone Corruption Continues Brad Bumsted History
41 39 Hour 30 Brandon Musgrave Memoir
42 30 Forts, Forests, and Flintlocks John L Moore History
43 Hidden Dangers Bob Stout Current Affairs
44 2 Beagle Tales VI Bob Ford Humor
45 21 Jesus the Phoenician Karim El Koussa History
46 41 The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping William Cook True Crime
47 35 Messages from Beyond Michele Livingston Spirituality
48 28 Cannons, Cattle, and Campfires John L Moore History
49 The Devil’s Grasp Brian Koscienski & Chris Pisano Fantasy
50 Dead of Summer Sherry Knowlton Thriller Fiction

Doug Beed’s Vietnam memoir Chasing Understanding in the Jungles of Vietnam, was #1 due to advance sales leading up to its release in April. Jim Remsen’s history of heroism in a small Pennsylvania town Embattled Freedom continued to sell well since its release, taking #2 as Jim landed a television interview on PA Books. Sherry Knowlton’s Dead of Spring soared to #3 due to advance activity for this Earth Day release. Bill Morris’s memoir American Berserk took #4 due to bookstore sales. Christina Burns’ memoir The Journey Called Life was #5 thanks to author activities.

The company released three new titles in March:

SUNBURY PRESS – New Releases for March, 2017
What Waits Beneath Thomas Malafarina Horror
American Berserk Bill Morris Memoir
The Silent Woman Keith Rommel Psycho Thriller

For more info: http://www.sunburypressstore.com/BESTSELLERS_c3.htm

 

Battle of Gettysburg participants honored in new book by Farrell, Farley, and Knorr

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released Keystone Tombstones: The Battle of Gettysburg by Joe Farrell, Joe Farley and Lawrence Knorr.This special volume highlights those individuals buried in Pennsylvania who contributed to the battle.

About the Book:
Biographies of famous people buried in Pennsylvabia who participated in the Battle of Gettysburg are the focus of this localized edition of Keystone Tombstones. Farrell and Farley have combed Pennsylvania to bring you the most entertaining tales about interesting people buried in Pennsylvania. Included in this volume:

• John Burns
• Gettysburg National Cemetery
• Amos Humiston
• Ginnie Wade
• Andrew Gregg Curtin
• James Buchanan
• Simon Cameron
• John White Geary
• John Fulton Reynolds
• Thaddeus Stevens
• George Meade
• Samuel W Crawford
• Oliver B Knowles
• Herman Haupt
• Samuel K Zook
• Dennis O’Kane
• Winfield Scott Hancock
• Strong Vincent
• Alfred L Pearson

Keystone Tombstones: The Battle of Gettysburg
Authored by Joe Farrell, Authored by Joe Farley, Authored by Lawrence Knorr
List Price: $14.95
6″ x 9″ (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
Black & White on Cream paper
122 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620068328
ISBN-10: 162006832X
BISAC: History / United States / Civil War

http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Keystone-Tombstones-Batt…

“Wonder Boy” now available in paperback and ebook

SUNBURY, Pa.April 15, 2017PRLog — Lawrence Knorr’s Wonder Boy – The Story of Carl Scheib: The Youngest Player in American League History has been released by Sunbury Press in paperback and ebook.

About the Book:
Carl Scheib, from Gratz, PA, was a young farm boy of 16 who was signed to a major league contract by Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics. Carl enjoyed 11 years in the major leagues, interrupted by his service in World War II. When he made his first appearance in 1943, he was the youngest player in modern major league history. The following season, Joe Nuxhall of the National League’s Cincinnati Reds, pitched 2/3 of an inning at age 15, breaking Carl’s major league record, but Carl retained his American League record.

Known as a good-hitting pitcher, Carl hit .396 in 1951 and .298 in 1948. He hit five home runs in his career, including a grand slam.

As a pitcher, Carl was a key hurler on the 1948 Philadelphia Athletics, going 14-8 during a tight pennant race. He also went 11-7 in 1952, and saved 11 games in 1951. Behind his “pitch- to-contact” approach, the A’s set the all-time record for double plays in a season with 217 in 1949, a record that still stands.

Wonder Boy chronicles the rapid raise of Carl Scheib from his high school days at Gratz and his contributions to Dalmatia in the West Branch League, to his subsequent major league career, facing such players as Joe DiMaggio, Bill Dickey, Ted Williams, Yogi Berra, Bobby Doerr, Satchel Paige, Bob Lemon, Larry Doby, Bob Feller, Luke Appling, Early Wynn, Mickey Mantle and many more.

About the Author:
Lawrence Knorr is an amateur historian with deep roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch Region. Lawrence has had a long career in information technology. He is the co-owner of Sunbury Press, Inc. and an adjunct Professor of Economics at Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA. Lawrence is a past President of the Mid Atlantic Book Publishers Association, and is currently a Board Member for the Pennsylvania German Society.

Lawrence lives with his wife Tammi and has two daughters a stepson and a stepdaughter.

Lawrence’s books include:

• Wonder Boy – The Story of Carl Scheib: The Youngest Player in American League History
• A Pennsylvania Mennonite and the California Gold Rush
• The Relations of Milton Snavely Hershey
• The Relations of Dwight D. Eisenhower
• The Decendents of Hans Peter Knorr
• The Hackman Story (with Dorothy Elaine Grace)
• General John Fulton Reynolds – His Biography, Words & Relations (with Michael Riley and Diane Watson)
• The Relations of Isaac F Stiely – Minister of the Mahantongo Valley
• There is Something About Rough and Ready – A History of the Village at the Heart of the Mahantongo Valley (with Steve E Troutman, Elaine Moran, Cindy Baum, Christine Hipple & Jeanne Adams)
• Keystone Tombstones Civil War (with Joe Farrell and Joe Farley)
• Modern Realism According to Fritz – The Oil Paintings of Fritz VonderHeiden
• Keystone Tombstones Susquehanna Valley (with Joe Farrell and Joe Farley)
• Keystone Tombstones Philadelphia Region (with Joe Farrell and Joe Farley)
• Keystone Tombstones Anthracite Region (with Joe Farrell and Joe Farley)

He is currently working on The Bang Story – From the Basement to the Big Lights.

Lawrence is also an accomplished photographer, known as Lawrence von Knorr, collaborating on the books Hells Kitchen Flea Market andWormleysburg: Jewel on the Susquehanna with his wife Tammi Knorr.  As T. K. McCoy, Tammi featured Lawrence’s work in three books entitled Photo Impressionism in the Digital Age, Pennsylvania Through the Seasons and Images of Italy.  Knorr’s work was also featured in Contemporary Photo Impressionists.  He provided the photograph’s for Melanie Simm’s poetry compilation Remember the Sun. For more information about Lawrence’s award-winning artwork, please see www.vonknorrgallery.com

Wonder Boy – The Story of Carl Scheib
Authored by Lawrence Knorr
List Price: $14.95
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc. (March 30, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1620068303
ISBN-13: 978-1620068304
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
SPO003030 SPORTS & RECREATION / Baseball / History
BIO016000 BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Sports
HIS036080 HISTORY / United States / State & Local / Middle Atlantic

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Wonder-Boy-The-Story-of-…

“Tigers by the River” recalls early professional football in Memphis, Tennessee

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sunbury Press has released Tigers by the River: A True and Accurate Tale of the Early Days of Pro Football, Wylie McLallen’s history of early professional football in Memphis, Tennessee.

About the Book:
The Memphis Tigers were a professional football team in the early years of professional football. They were first organized by Early Maxwell, a well known Southern sportswriter, who quickly gave way by selling his interests to the wealthiest entrepreneur in Memphis, Clarence Saunders, who founded the Piggly-Wiggly grocery chain, the first self-service grocery stores in America. In keeping with the times, Saunders quickly bought the services of the finest players available, several of whom are early inductees of the NFL Hall of Fame, scheduled the best teams in the country, including the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. In fact, in 1929 their last game of the season was against the NFL champions Green Bay Packers, whom the Tigers beat before a packed stadium in Memphis to proclaim themselves as the national professional ball champions.

This is a story of the early years of professional football when players moved from team to team and the owners scratched out a living. Appearing throughout the manuscript are some of the most illustrious names in professional football: George Halas, Wellington Mara, Johnny Blood McNally, Curly Lambeau, Bronko Nagurski, Red Grange, and many others who are no less interesting if not so famous. It was a different time, the late 1920s and early 1930s, a segregated American society but with great changes happening that are reflected in this story. The research was extensive, microfilms of old newspaper, and yielded much gold.

About the Author:
WYLIE MCLALLEN grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where his family has deep historical roots. At the University of Tennessee he obtained a degree in History and English and, under a distinguished man of Southern Letters, Professor Robert Drake, studied Fiction and Composition: Dr. Drake was able to personally introduce his students to the poet and novelist James Dickey, and was a close friend of author Flannery O’Conner. Wylie worked as a programmer analyst at Malone & Hyde Inc. in Memphis and later owned a small business services center. He currently resides with his wife, Nickey Bayne, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where they have raised two now grown children. He continues to write both history and fiction.

Tigers by the River:A True and Accurate Tale of the Early Days of Pro Football
Written by Wylie McLallen
List Price: $19.95
6″ x 9″   (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
Black & White on Cream paper
180 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-10: 1620068044
ISBN-13: 978-1620068045
BISAC: History / United States / Football

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Tigers-by-the-River-9781…

Doug Beed’s “Chasing Understanding in the Jungles of Vietnam” debuts as bestseller

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.— Sunbury Press has released Chasing Understanding in the Jungles of Vietnam, Doug Beed’s memoir of his service as a grunt in the Black Scarves.

About the Book:
Author Doug Beed relates his memories of the men and missions during his year (1968-69) as a combat soldier with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam. After two years of college he couldn’t afford to continue so he was forced to relinquish his student deferment and enter the draft. He tried various strategies to get a non-combat job; nevertheless he ended up in the infantry and was assigned to Vietnam.

The stories in this book depict the year Doug spent in Alpha Company where he spent days on patrols finding and killing North Vietnamese soldiers along the hundreds of miles of trails heading for the Saigon. These stories range from funny to tragic, from uplifting to extremely frustrating and from touching to horrifying. This book gives the reader a sense of life in the infantry in 1968 and 1969.

About the Author:
Doug Beed was raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and grew up with an older brother and three younger siblings. His father died in 1964 during his junior year in High School, leaving his mom alone with 5 kids to raise. After graduation he attended a Junior College for two years, working in construction during the summers. As he finished his tenure in the Junior College in January 1968, he knew he didn’t have enough money to continue his schooling. His response was to let his student deferment lapse. He received his notice for a pre-induction physical two days later from the local Draft Board. Beed entered the Army in April 1968 and went through infantry training until late November, when he got his orders to go to Vietnam. He spent months on patrols and ambushes, carrying an M60 machine gun until his company’s mortar platoon was killed. He then finished his tour as a member of the mortar platoon. After the Army he worked in construction until he met his wife and married her. He then finished his Bachelor’s Degree and worked in construction and maintenance until he started teaching in several community colleges. He finished his career as a professor at Hawkeye Community College from which he retired in 2010. He and his wife are now living in retirement in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.

Chasing Understanding in the Jungles of Vietnam
Written by Doug Beed
List Price: $19.95
6″ x 9″   (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
Black & White on Cream paper
256 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-10: 1620068028
ISBN-13: 978-1620068021
BISAC: History / United States / Vietnam War

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Chasing-Understanding-In…

2nd volume of Lykens Township History is now available

GRATZ, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released History of Lykens Township Volume 2, compiled by the Gratz Historical Society.

About the Book:
Lykens Township is perhaps the largest township in Dauphin County. It borders Mifflin Township on the west, Northumberland County on the north, Schuylkill County on the east, and Short Mountain on the south.

The history of the area as related in Volume Two, begins slightly west of the point where Route 25 meets North Crossroads, at the western edge where Lykens and Mifflin Township meet. North Crossroads runs from Spain, which lies a short distance beyond, and is also part of Lykens Township. From this point the history details the remaining eastward part of the township.

Although there has been some population growth, Lykens Township has remained primarily a rural farming community, retaining its timeless character.

There are histories and many photographs, as well as other information  for each of the early homes and families. Also of country schools, the churches, and other historic landmarks.

The book contains a table of contents, also an index to genealogies, in addition to the index of individual names found in the book.

History of Lykens Township Volume 2
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc. (April 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1620067919
• ISBN-13: 978-1620067918
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.9 x 11 inches

The Gratz Historical Society (8 W Market St  Gratz, PA 17030) is having an open house Saturday April 22 and April 29 featuring the new volume.  Copies of Volume 1 are also for sale, as well as other publications related to the community.

COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY or wherever books are sold.

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/History-of-Lykens-Townsh…

Sontag’s “The Silver Coin” is the third book of the “Ancient Elements” historical YA series

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sunbury Press has released The Silver Coin, Marie Sontag’s historical young adult novel that is the third volume in the Ancient Elements series.

About the Book:
The Mycenaean captain laughed and addressed his prisoners. “By the time people realize you’re missing, you’ll all be slaves of Greek merchants or landowners. And I’ll be that much richer!” Sam swallowed hard. Now I’ll never find Uncle Zim. And who will want to buy a crippled slave? Numbness overtook him as he saw his hopes, like the sail of the Phoenician ship, go up in flames.

tsc_fcWhat Others Are Saying:
“Sontag’s Mediterranean world is a vivid one, and the story makes clear that even thousands of years ago, residents of the region were well traveled and knowledgeable about their realm. . . . individuals looking for curriculum-based fiction may find the book a valuable tool.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Sontag’s final book of her Ancient Element’s trilogy was an exhilarating conclusion to this Indiana Jones-like journey through the civilizations of the ancient middle eastern kingdoms. Students reading her books will effortlessly be educated, richly enhancing the core curriculum they are learning in their middle school classes.” — Jean Fujiki, Library Media Clerk, Cupertino, CA

“Sontag once again delivers heart stopping excitement as Samsuluna embarks on his next adventure. A masterful work of historical fiction that brings the ancient past to life. You will not be disappointed!” — Roberta Hendricks, Reading Intervention Specialist, TX

“The Silver Coin is so visual throughout, using conversation to move the characters forward in this third book of Dr. Sontag’s trilogy. My sixth grade students love to read her books!” — Susan Peers, Social Studies Teacher, San Jose, CA

Excerpt:
Peret, Season of Planting, 1777 BC – Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt

boatFifteen-year-old Samsuluna fingered the remaining silver coin given to him by his adoptive father, Balashi. As the ship rocked beneath his sandaled feet, he eyed the ominous, black clouds gathering in the distance. “They say it takes about seven days to sail from Egypt to the Phoenician city of Tyre,” Samsuluna told his friend, Keret. “Once we get to Tyre, I’ll finally be able to complete my quest and reunite with my uncle, Zim-ri-lin.”

Seventeen-year-old Keret leaned over the Phoenician ship’s wicker railing to look at the dark sea that churned below. Keret then observed the swift moving clouds overhead. “I don’t know, Sam.” Keret shook his head. “It may take more than seven days to reach Phoenicia if a storm rolls in.”

Sam returned his coin to the leather pouch strapped around his neck and tucked the pouch beneath his tunic. “Well, at least I’ll have a place to call home again,” Sam said. “Since Balashi’s death . . .” Sam’s voice trailed off as he gazed at the clouds once again.

Sam turned his head when one of the Phoenician crewmen walked over and stood next to him, scanning the horizon. Something in the sailor’s intent gaze caused Sam to tighten his grip on the ship’s railing.

About the Author:
Dr. Marie Sontag taught middle school for over 15 years. She has a BA in Social Science, and an MA and PhD in Education. When on speaking events, she’s always accompanied by her authenticated 3,000-year-old bronze dagger, alabaster jar, and silver coin.

Books in the Ancient Elements Series:
Book One: The Bronze Dagger
Book Two: The Alabaster Jar
Book Three: The Silver Coin

Books in the Warsaw Rising Series
Book One: Rising Hope
Available Soon:
Book Two: A Door of Hope
Book Three: A Banner of Hope

The Silver Coin
Authored by Marie Sontag
List Price: $9.99
5.5″ x 8.5″ (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
Black & White on Cream paper
140 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620067987
ISBN-10: 1620067986
BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Ancient Civilizations

Coming soon on Kindle

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-Silver-Coin-97816200…

Union captures Vicksburg! “I can’t spare this man. He fights!” says Lincoln of US Grant.

tlg_fcVICKSBURG, Miss. — Sunbury Press has released Taking Lady Gibraltar: Grant’s Convoluted Tour de Force in the West, Dick Schwirian’s historical novel about the capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi by Union forces in 1863.

About the Book:
Taking of Lady Gibraltar is about one of the major events of the Civil War, the campaign to seize Vicksburg by Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant. Before 1863, Vicksburg, situated on high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, was thought to be impregnable. Grant created a new reality. The capture of Vicksburg and its garrison was, if not the signature northern victory of the Civil War, at least among the top contenders. It denied the Confederacy free access to the Mississippi River, it split the South in two, and, perhaps most importantly, it ultimately persuaded Abraham Lincoln to appoint Grant commander of all Union armies. In the words of the sixteenth president: “I can’t spare this man. He fights.”

It may be inaccurate to say that Grant won the Civil War for the North, but there is truth in the claim. His success, first in the west and later in the east, was phenomenal. Was he a military genius? Probably not. But he had a keen sense for the opportunistic moment and the fortitude to pursue a course of action relentlessly, once chosen. The Taking of Lady Gibraltar illustrates these qualities—and some shortcomings—in an exciting and stimulating read for anyone who loves Civil War history and historical fiction.

Battle of Vicksburg

Battle of Vicksburg

Excerpt:
April 7, 1862 – The Shiloh Battlefield

On the second day of battle, Union skirmishers began forming their lines at 3:00 AM and were ordered to find the enemy. They did. The evening before, P.G.T. Beauregard had entertained great hopes for taking the day for the Confederacy but was unaware of the Union reinforcements under Don Carlos Buell, who were then arriving from Nashville under cover of darkness. Beauregard had lost half his men on the first day of battle; Grant had gained twenty thousand more. The fighting on the second day was intense but brief. By 4:00 PM, Beauregard ordered a general withdrawal to Corinth, Mississippi in the middle of a cold, relentless hailstorm, some of the hailstones as big as eggs and as hard as musket balls.

Had he wanted to, Grant could have pursued and destroyed Beauregard’s exhausted army. Pursuit of a defeated foe was, after all, a maxim of military tactical manuals. However, pursuit was an undertaking that his own bone-weary, mud-caked army might not be able to sustain. They were tired too.

About the Author:
Dick Schwirian resides in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife Jo.

Taking Lady Gibraltar: Grant’s Convoluted Tour de Force in the West
Authored by Dick Schwirian
List Price: $19.95
6″ x 9″ (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
Black & White on Cream paper
452 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620066508
ISBN-10: 1620066505
BISAC: Fiction / War & Military

Also available on Kindle

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Taking-Lady-Gibraltar-97…