In 1770, a poor and half-starved boy fights to survive on the Mississippi River. Anthony's heart's desire is to be the cock of the walk and the toughest man on the river. Above all else he wants that respect. But young Anthony has no way of knowing the adventures he will have. Ride with him as he fights river pirates and murderers on the high seas, and travels from America to England to exotic islands on the Mediterranean. Anthony meets many who will shape his character, including his mentor and friend, Captain Davis. Author Larry V. Williams grew up listening to older men tell their tales about the cock of the walk, then he went to work in Mississippi. "I've found that if you will stop and listen, everyone has a story worth telling." He says he spent a lot of time in the state and at the Indian mounds mentioned in his book. "I've stood on them and wondered who built such a marvel and just left."