It was as an 8th grader at West Irondequoit’s Dake Jr. High School that Andre Fleche first developed a passion for history — particularly in the American Civil War era.
Now, 20 years later, he is returning to his hometown of Irondequoit to promote his new book on that subject titled, “The Revolution of 1861: The American Civil War in the Age of Nationalist Conflict.”
Fleche, an associate professor and newly-appointed chairman of the history department at Castleton State College in Vermont, holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, in addition to a master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Virginia. But he says his fascination with the Civil War can be traced back to his days as a teenager.
“I remember being really moved by the movie, “Glory,” about the first company of black civil war soldiers,” Fleche said. “ Shortly afterward, I watched the Ken Burns miniseries “The Civil War” and then, when my family took a trip to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg and I was hooked on history for life!”
That interest was nurtured throughout his time at Dake and Irondequoit High School. Fleche credits his AP American history teacher, Robin Fogarty and AP English teacher, Jeanina Litvanis for providing the inspiration and the tools he needed to succeed.
“They taught me the craft of writing,” he says.
While there is no shortage of books on the Civil War, Fleche provides readers with a modern perspective. He believes that the events surrounding the American Civil War can provide valuable insights into today’s world.
“The knowledge we can glean from studying this era in history is extremely relevant. It is important to realize that the world is a small place. Events here can influence what goes on in Europe, Africa, Asia and beyond. At the time of the civil war, the eyes of Europe were on us. In my book I demonstrate how the world’s revolutions affected the Civil War.”
Fleche likens the American Civil War to the Arab Spring uprising and the political and social turmoil currently affecting many developing nations.
“Back in 1861, Europe was watching this new nation of ours as we were striving to implement our new vision for the future,” he said. “It’s a conversation that is still going on today as we watch what is happening in Syria, Libya and other totalitarian regimes.”
Although Fleche has spent nearly a decade immersed in researching, writing and editing, he says he is not nearly finished with his examination of that period of history.
“My next book will probably be an exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency,” he says.
Fleche’s book is available at major booksellers like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
It was as an 8th grader at West Irondequoit’s Dake Jr. High School that Andre Fleche first developed a passion for history — particularly in the American Civil War era.
Now, 20 years later, he is returning to his hometown of Irondequoit to promote his new book on that subject titled, “The Revolution of 1861: The American Civil War in the Age of Nationalist Conflict.”
Fleche, an associate professor and newly-appointed chairman of the history department at Castleton State College in Vermont, holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, in addition to a master’s degree and a PhD from the University of Virginia. But he says his fascination with the Civil War can be traced back to his days as a teenager.
“I remember being really moved by the movie, “Glory,” about the first company of black civil war soldiers,” Fleche said. “ Shortly afterward, I watched the Ken Burns miniseries “The Civil War” and then, when my family took a trip to Washington D.C. and Gettysburg and I was hooked on history for life!”
That interest was nurtured throughout his time at Dake and Irondequoit High School. Fleche credits his AP American history teacher, Robin Fogarty and AP English teacher, Jeanina Litvanis for providing the inspiration and the tools he needed to succeed.
“They taught me the craft of writing,” he says.
While there is no shortage of books on the Civil War, Fleche provides readers with a modern perspective. He believes that the events surrounding the American Civil War can provide valuable insights into today’s world.
“The knowledge we can glean from studying this era in history is extremely relevant. It is important to realize that the world is a small place. Events here can influence what goes on in Europe, Africa, Asia and beyond. At the time of the civil war, the eyes of Europe were on us. In my book I demonstrate how the world’s revolutions affected the Civil War.”
Fleche likens the American Civil War to the Arab Spring uprising and the political and social turmoil currently affecting many developing nations.
“Back in 1861, Europe was watching this new nation of ours as we were striving to implement our new vision for the future,” he said. “It’s a conversation that is still going on today as we watch what is happening in Syria, Libya and other totalitarian regimes.”
Although Fleche has spent nearly a decade immersed in researching, writing and editing, he says he is not nearly finished with his examination of that period of history.
“My next book will probably be an exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency,” he says.
Fleche’s book is available at major booksellers like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
