Heritage Members News | Spring/Summer 2006

Heritage, history and Hollywood

Manhunt headed for the silver screen

Heritage Senior Legal Scholar James Swanson’s book, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer is being adapted to the big screen. Harrison Ford has already signed on to star in the feature-length film.

The Heritage Foundation is home to one of the most celebrated writers of 2006: James Swanson, author of the New York Times best-seller, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. The book provides a thrilling hour-by-hour account of the search for John Wilkes Booth following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. As a testament to how well the book is resonating with audiences, Manhunt is now being adapted for the big screen.

A senior legal scholar at Heritage’s Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, James is also a leading Lincoln historian. In Manhunt, James blends his expertise with action-packed drama, tracing the New York Cavalry and its leader, Col. Everton Conger, as they pursue Lincoln’s assassin amid a web of intrigue and suspense.

Described as “extraordinary,” “brilliant” and “compulsively readable” in countless rave reviews, Manhunt has captured the attention of Hollywood and one of its biggest stars, Harrison Ford, who has signed on to play Col. Conger. The book’s unique characters are sure to attract more of Hollywood’s top talent—and the film itself is sure to draw huge crowds to the box office and continued attention to Heritage’s talented experts.