In 1836; the murder of a young prostitute made headlines in New York City and around the country; inaugurating a sex-and-death sensationalism in news reporting that haunts us today. Patricia Cline Cohen goes behind these first lurid accounts to reconstruct the story of the mysterious victim; Helen Jewett. From her beginnings as a servant girl in Maine; Helen Jewett refashioned herself; using four successive aliases; into a highly paid courtesan. She invented life stories for herself that helped her build a sympathetic clientele among New York City's elite; and she further captivated her customers through her seductive letters; which mixed elements of traditional feminine demureness with sexual boldness.But she was to meet her match--and her nemesis--in a youth called Richard Robinson. He was one of an unprecedented number of young men who flooded into America's burgeoning cities in the 1830s to satisfy the new business society's seemingly infinite need for clerks. The son of an established Connecticut family; he was intense; arrogant; and given to posturing. He became Helen Jewett's lover in a tempestuous affair and ten months later was arrested for her murder. He stood trial in a five-day courtroom drama that ended with his acquittal amid the cheers of hundreds of fellow clerks and other spectators.With no conviction for murder; nor closure of any sort; the case continued to tantalize the public; even though Richard Robinson disappeared from view. Through the Erie Canal; down the Ohio and the Mississippi; and by way of New Orleans; he reached the wilds of Texas and a new life under a new name. Through her meticulous and ingenious research; Patricia Cline Cohen traces his life there and the many twists and turns of the lingering mystery of the murder. Her stunning portrayals of Helen Jewett; Robinson; and their raffish; colorful nineteenth-century world make vivid a frenetic city life and sexual morality whose complexities; contradictions; and concerns resonate with those of our own time.From the Hardcover edition.
#14104 in Books Modern Library 1992-09-05 1992-09-05Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x 1.10 x 5.10l; .92 #File Name: 0679600213416 pagesGreat product!
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An interesting book that allows the reader to see the inside an African TribeBy Rebecca StewartAfter obtaining the decade old movie; "Out of Africa" and watching it at least three times; I simply had to read something that this author had written and was delighted to discover that she had written a book with the same title as the movie. While the only mention of her marriage to Baron Bror Blixen was on the very last page of this book; written in a simple paragraph. I have yet to read a book; then see the film based on the same; and be able to say the movie is better than the book. The book gives more personal details and always provides more information. I enjoyed both but must once again declare that the book is better!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. beautifully told.By CustomerThis book was an eye-opening retrospective of life in Africa during the colonial period. As a memoir; it depicted the relationships between native cultures and British aristocracy; as experienced by a Danish woman and farm owner. There are many detailed descriptions of the people and landscapes of British East Africa; now Kenya; as well as personal relationships with other residents there. This is a fascinating story; beautifully told.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very good book. Would like larger typeBy Thomas WollbrinckVery good book. Would like larger type.
