A WOMAN OF AGENCY Mood Board

A WOMAN OF AGENCY was inspired by wondering what the Great Powers of Europe were up to while the American Republic was tearing itself apart in its Civil War. Most nations had signed articles of neutrality that did not restrict supplying and harboring ships and representatives of the belligerent parties, and did not preclude a number of very active shadow policies.

In telling this story of European intrigues during America’s Civil War, I knew that I would have to set a Union observer in London, the crux of world power at the time. While my principals Viola, Thomas Lannan and Niall Tackett (and, representing the Irish Brotherhood, Howard Norton) are purely inventions, a great many fascinating historical persons offered themselves to this story. I have made every effort to fairly represent them here.