some of the machinations of the Murdock empire. Several Caldwell-linked banks were declared insolvent, and the state government itself became embroiled in the matter. Private Porsum is obviously based on Alvin C. York, Tennessee's most famous war hero, although in real life York had nothing to do with the bond scandal. News reports have indicated that in later years Warren acknowledged the link between his story and Nashville events during the Great Depression. External links Robert Penn Warren on the Kentucky Writers Page 1943 American novels Novels by Robert Penn Warren