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Storied Past Cornelius author explores the challenges of a Civil War surgeon BY » Karel Bond Lucander PHOTOGRAPHY BY » Ken Noblezada
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t was Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” documentary that sparked Mickey Dunaway to write his historical fiction novel, Angry Heavens – Struggles of a Confederate Surgeon. “It was an inspiration to me,” says Dunaway, who lives in Cornelius with his wife, Sandy. “Shelby Foote, one of my literary heroes who was consulted for the documentary, is the pre-eminent researcher on the Civil War. I would regularly refer to his three-volume treatise.” Born and raised in Alabama with an upbringing “filled with Baptist preaching, family fish-fries and fall Saturday afternoons spent rabbit hunting,” Dunaway dedicated nearly 50 years to education. He began teaching in 1969, earned a doctorate in educational leadership (Ed.D.) from Auburn University, served in various administrative roles, and most recently was associate professor at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Coauthor of a textbook, the 725page “Angry Heavens” is Dunaway’s foray into historical fiction—as well as novel writing. For three years, he researched and wrote this captivating 16 LimitlessMagOnline.com | April 2020
