Pierce Dwelly is a proud Eastern Kentucky native and has published this book to focus on hardships, friendships, struggles, and the endurance of the Kentucky way of life. While this story is fictional it draws upon the essence of the true spirit of all Kentuckians from varying walks of life. This story also centers around the natural beauty of the state as well as folklore and traditions. The author has taken great care to craft this tale in a way that showcases the characters' humanity while at the same time circumventing the negative stereotypes that often plague individuals of certain parts of the state. Swift's Silver Mine: Sam's Journey is based on the legend of Jonathan Swift and his alleged travels to the state of Kentucky in the mid 1700's. The legend of Swift's travels spans Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is widely believed in these areas that Swift had either discovered silver mines or stashed his plunders in various locations. While there are those who think that Swift's legend is just a fanciful tale, it is the author's belief that the tales are too common and the stories etched into the very fabric of the locations in question do lend some credence to their validity.