Brian Maurice

Literary Works

Amerikanernest (American Nest)

Explore the connections between Spokane at the turn of the 20th century, the American Meuse-Argonne campaign in 1918, and the epic story of the 77th Division's Lost Battalion

Amerikanernest is the gripping story of two men, Private William Martin from Spokane Washington, and Oberleutnant Fritz Prinz from Cassel Germany. Both men's journeys are factual and share an improbable connection through the city of Spokane, tungsten ore mining, and a perilous battle in the Argonne Forest in France.

Martin and Prinz lived and worked within blocks of each other in Spokane between 1910 and 1914, and they later fought on opposing sides during the Great War.

In 1918, they would come face-to-face on a tiny, forested battlefield the Americans called 'the pocket,' and the Germans called 'Amerikanernest' (American Nest). The epic five-day battle and the beleaguered Lost Battalion's stubborn refusal to surrender would become US Army legend.

Amerikanernest recollects the service and sacrifice of actual Great War soldiers from both German and American perspectives. Collectively, these men's stories shed new light on the Imperial Army's use of global strategic materials in the buildup to the war, how Germany and the United States prepared for war, and how the men endured their individual war experiences.

About Brian Maurice

Brian Maurice is a U.S. Air Force veteran with degrees in Engineering and Military History.

Brian writes historical fiction and non-fiction that combines meticulous research with compelling storytelling. His work offers readers an immersive experience that not only entertains but also educates. His dedication to accuracy using primary sources ensures historical fidelity, while his narrative makes history accessible to enthusiasts at all levels.