Remember how easy it was to doze off in your American history class? Well, if John Jakes had been the teacher, you wouldn't have!

Mr. Jakes is making history—or at least the historical novel—interesting for millions. "North and South,"… has quickly taken over the best-seller spot….

The author knows the rules for a successful generational saga: give the reader just enough history to lend flavor to the story, but let your characters carry the day.

I didn't need to be reminded of how good Mr. Jakes is at his craft. I was hard-pressed to slow down and read the paragraphs of historical insight and speeches which presented the views of both sections of the country. What I really wanted to know was what was going to happen next to Orry, son of a South Carolina plantation owner, and George, son of a Pennsylvania iron maker, and...