Hercules of the Revolution: a novel based on the life of Peter Francisco
by Travis Bowman
Born into a wealthy family in the Azores Islands in 1760, Peter Francisco would one day change the course of history for the United States of America and the World. This true story will have you hanging on the edge of your seat as Peter is kidnapped by pirates at the age of five and raised as a slave on a plantation in Virginia. By the age of 16, Peter stood 6’6” – a foot taller then the average man – and weighed 260 pounds, but his skin color had him trapped at the bottom of society in the New World. After falling in love with a girl from a wealthy family, Peter realizes that he will never marry the woman of his dreams unless he is free. Driven with passion for freedom he joined the Continental Army after hearing Patrick Henry’s famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death!” His owner, Judge Winston, releases him from slavery to fight for freedom, and he becomes famous throughout the colonies for his extraordinary strength, bravery, and courage on the battlefield. Towards the end of the war, George Washington has a 6’ broadsword made for Peter just in time for one of the most critical battles of the Revolution. But, the ruthless Colonel Tarleton from the British Army is determined to kill Peter and the woman that he loves. Ultimately, Peter’s fight for freedom becomes a fight to save the love of his life…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TRAVIS BOWMAN
Travis Bowman is an entrepreneur, author, actor, and film producer. In 2009, Travis released a novel titled Hercules of the Revolution which is based on the life of his famous ancestor, Peter Francisco, from the Revolutionary War. In 2011, Travis produced the first ever television documentary about his ancestor called The Peter Francisco Story, and it won a Platinum Aurora Award. After working with the US and Portuguese governments to dedicate a new statue in the Azores for Francisco, Travis re-released his novel in 2016 as an “anniversary edition” called LUSO: for Love, Liberty, & Legacy. He is currently working with a film studio based in North Carolina on a full-feature film that will be based on his novel LUSO. www.lusothemovie.com.
Travis stands 6’6″ tall just like his great(5x)-grandfather and he has brought his ancestor to life through a 30-minute dramatic impersonation over 100 times for historic societies, schools, universities, and church groups all over the world. In 2013, he had the honor of bringing Peter back to life in his Portuguese hometown, Porto Judeu, where Francisco was kidnapped at age 5.
He has been a guest on several nationally syndicated radio & TV shows, and he’s meet with many dignitaries, including the President of Portugal, about his novel and future full-feature film. His work has earned him numerous awards and accolades and dozens of newspapers have published articles about him around the world.
Travis and his wife have 2 children and they reside in Charlotte, NC. For more info visit: www.travisbowman.com.
