The Story of the H. L. Hunley and Queenie's Coin
Grade 3-5–The story of the Confederate submarine is told from its conception to its sinking and eventual recovery. Hawk's account, based on research and oral tradition, centers on the role of George Dixon, the Confederate officer who conceived of the vessel, and the gold piece given to him by his fiancée, Queenie Bennett. The coin is said to have saved Dixon from death or serious injury at the battle of Shiloh, and stayed with him for the remainder of his life. Following theHunley's unsuccessful tests, he took over as her captain and went down with her when she sank after destroying the Union ship Housatonic. When theHunleywas raised in 2000, the coin was among the artifacts recovered. Hawk presents the story in a readable style, while Nance's numerous, exceptional paintings and the color photos of the recovery operation, Dixon's coin and other artifacts, and portraits of Dixon and Horace Hunley bring it to life. This is an exceptionally attractive and enjoyable piece of Civil War history.–Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.