The work of renowned novelist and historian John Bennett (1865-1956), this book was praised for its true portrayal of the American South and the best cryptogram since Poe when first published in 1906. Unavailable for almost one hundred years, this new edition contains an introduction by Charleston novelist and historian Harlan Greene, who, in accordance with John Bennett's plans, includes for the first time a decoder, explaining how fact and fiction came together. -- back cover