Books by George Herman

All historical characters and events in this book are factually and chronologically accurate including the original nine Commedia dell’ Arte members. The story Mr. Herman weaves about the manner in which they came together comes from years of studying this art form which began with his play “A Company of Wayward Saints” published over 50 years ago by Samuel French and still being performed today. Carnival of Saints was published in 1996 by Ballantine a division of Random House publishing. It is now out of print but still available on Amazon. A revised version is being prepared for publication under the original title "Eve of All Saints".
This series of eight novels covers the life of Leonardo da Vinci from the age of 40 when he comes to live in Milan at the invitation of Duke Ludovico Sforza. The year is 1482. In A COMEDY OF MURDERS Leonardo discovers the reason behind 27 murders each committed in a different way. TEARS OF THE MADONNA, Leonardo is invited to Mantua to paint the portrait of the Marquesa, Isabella d'Este. Her necklace disappears and the investigation turns up murder and intrigue that points back to the Marquesa. ARTISTS AND ASSASSINS, Leonardo returns to Florence where vandals are destroying priceless works of art. Leonardo is caught between those responsible for the vandalism and an assassin sent by Isabella d'Este. THE TOYS OF WAR, Even though Leonardo believes that “War is a bestial madness” he feels compelled to honor his debt to Cesare Borgia for the many “kindnesses” he received in Artists & Assassins.
NECROMANCER, a self professed "holy man" is chanelling deamons who call for the death of cardinals. Leonardo is once again caught up in a political and religious battle for the election of the new pope when Cesare Borgia agrees to release him from service of he solves the mystery. THE ARNO SERPENT, Pisa has denied Florence access to the Arno River in an act of war. Leonardo is tasked with diverting it back. The project is disrupted when a huge monster is spotted in the river and workers are found brutally murdered. As Leonardo is solving the mystery, an assassin is unleashed with a plan to lure Leonardo to his death. Discover how Commedia players, an eagle and a dwarf thwart the plan. CARDINAL VIRTUES, religious and political aspirations collide as cardinals position themselves to take the top job in the Vatican. Attempted and successful poisonings point to Leonardo who discovers the perpretator. LABYRINTH, feeling his age and depression over what he has not accomplished, Leonardo accepts the invitation of the French King, where he spent his final days in peace and comfort.
In the spirit of absolute honesty - a novelty following an election year - I am obliged to point out all persons, places, relationships, employment records, drink and food concoctions described in this text were once real, but now the names and some details have been deliberately scrambled or inadvertently altered due to a profusion of senior moments and an earnest desire to avoid defamation suits.
It should be noted this text is rooted in a Hawaii which no longer exists. The Islands where my friends and I lived in the 70's and where my children were raised was only beginning to be paved over in concrete and steel. All the references are to people or events now lost to all but memory. It was a moment in Hawaiian history when the last of the flower children found an amiable haven.