New Jersey Books

Part I of this book contains entirely too much introductory material. In fact, you've read a considerable amount of the book before you realize that she actually experienced abuse. I did not think I was going to be able to read the entire book. However, once I got to part II the book really picked up and becomes an interesting read. At that point, I didn't want to put it down. The author parallels her abuse to the history of slavery which is a unique and interesting touch, but it goes overboard at times. Finally, the book opens with a very dramatic scene and by the book's end, you're not sure what happened that led to that scene or what happened after, a tad frustrating.

Stacey Patton is a remarkable and inspirational person who endured years of physical and verbal abuse by her adoptive mother, Myrtle. Ms. Patton was placed in the foster care system at the age of two by her biological mother as a way to escape her dysfunctional biological family. Only to be adopted by equally dysfunctional people. After seven or eight years of living with abuse, Ms. Patton demanded that her adoptive parents contact DYFS so she could leave their home.

Ms. Patton sets her life on a path to rid herself of the stigma associated with being a ward of the State of New Jersey. With no encouragement from her house masters, she applies and is accepted into a prestigious prep school with a full scholarship. While at school, she is united with her biological family.

Ms. Patton does an excellent job of displaying the similarities between slavery and her childhood. Slave children were beaten into submission. Ms. Patton was beaten for the most trivial mishaps. Slave children were taught to be emotionless. Ms. Patton did not know how to be angry.

Thanks to Ms. Patton for sharing details of her childhood. This novel should be read by everyone as well as used as a training guide for social workers. Ms. Patton is a survivor, who did not let hurtful and mean spirited words and actions limit or shape her destiny.

Stacey Patton writes with the power of a Claude Brown, and her story of her childhood as a ward of the New Jersey foster care system is just as wrenching, and ultimately hopeful, as Manchild in the Promised Land. Ms. Patton has a remarkable gift in being able to step aside of her own brutal treatment and place it in a much larger, historical context -- the legacy of slavery. It is quite brilliant the manner in which she moves the story from the beatings she suffered at the hands of an adoptive mother, who was not poor at all, but the wife of a Christian minister. Whippings, supposedly intended to raise a good child, physically and emotionally scarred Stacey, but they could not destroy her amazing resiliency,spunk and vision. Her escape from a cruel and violent housefold was accomplished despite the bumblings of agents of the State's foster care agency. It is fair to ask how far can the thesis of a link between slavery and the everyday violence of some families and communities be carried. And one can also fairly ask, how can we get this book into the hands of every public servant who has to serve as the last protector and intermediary for children who become wards of the state?

I found it hard to put the book down. Disturbing. Heartwrenching."Makes me want to holler" --- but inspiring!!
I met Stacey when she was 14 and just starting out at The Lawrenceville School. She was our babysitter. My husband is part of her story. I knew her life was challenging but I didn't know the depth until reading her book.
Stacey adds a historical perspective to her story which opens the possibility of great discussions and conversations.
This is an important book. Pass it on..

In slavery times, the master would beat slaves into submission. Their whippings discouraged slaves from running, rebelling and slothful. In turn, slaves beat their own children so the master would not have to. Whippings and beatings are a learned behavior. One that should have ended with slavery, but someone became the punishment of choice for Africian Americans. When Stacey Patton penned her memoir, of her life as the adoptive child of Myrtle and G. Patton in That Mean Old Yesterday, she compared those turbulent eight years to the life of a slave. Stacey was the slave who endured beatings, displacement and abandonment and who eventually runs away from the abusive massa.

At age five, Stacey's short life is changed with just a visit from the social worker. She is informed by the only mother she knows that she is a foster child and she is just a temporary visitor in the only home she knows. She is eventually placed in the adoptive home of Myrtle and G. Patton, a couple who by all appearances are loving people who cannot have their own biological child. With so much love to give they chose Stacey. And they were the perfect family until the adoption was complete. Then, the first slap, then beatings with a belt, extension cord, shoe, hands and fist began by this loving adoptive mother. In Myrtle eyes, this was done in love, after all, it would be better for her to beat Stacey than the police and the Bible says "The blueness of a wound cleans away evil" and "Spare the rod, spoil the child." So for eight years Stacey endured the beatings for simple infractions such as her shoes being crooked in the closet, saying "yep" instead of yes. Until at the age of 13, she could not take it anymore. Rather than sit passively and wait for Myrtle, her massa to beat her to death, Stacey ran.

I sat with my mouth wide open in horror reading Ms Patton's story. Not because of the abuse she suffered, because as a former Child Protective Services worker I had seen it before, but because Ms Patton was so horribly wronged by those who were supposed to protect her. G and other family members knew what was happening and condoned Myrtle's behavior. School teachers and administrators saw the bruises and did not report it; doctors and nurses treated her injuries and did not report them, and the police placed the blame on her and sent her back to her abusers. Through all of this, Ms. Patton had an inner strength and a strong will that could not be broken. When she got tired of the abuse, she ran away and steadfastly refused to return to her adoptive parents' home. Where many would have thought that life ina group home or the system would have been her demise, she excelled in school and sports. She received a full scholarship to a prestigious boarding school, despite the naysayers. She was one of the kids who beat the system. She refused to let the title "Ward of the State of New Jersey" hold her back. She had dreams and she did not let her dreams be deferred.

That Old Mean Yesterday is not an easy read and I would not recommend it to everybody. Those who read the Darkest Child by Delores Phillips, Neecy's Lullaby by Cris Burke, The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, Somebody's Someone by Regina Louise or A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown might be able to relate to this novel. It is hard to believe a child could overcome all the obstacles placed in front of them, but Ms. Patton did and is to be congratulated for her tenacity and accomplishments.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub

This is a great story about "Perry" who's just lost his lover to illness. He's deep in mourning when his dead lover's ghost begins to haunt him. The candle thing at the restaurant creeped me out! The story is fast paced and I couldn't stop reading. Great twist at the end. I never suspected a thing!!

Perry Chaplin is a computer programmer mourning the recent death of his partner, the incomparable Bobby. When inexplicable events start occurring all around him, Perry begins to wonder if he may have lost his marbles when he lost his lover.

The fast-paced and unique storyline of "Bobby's Trace" held my interest right from its angst-ridden opening chapter until the fascinating conclusion. There were so many plot twists in this book, which thankfully weren't telegraphed miles in advance. On the contrary, when the curve-balls revealed themselves they came as a real punch to the gut!

The story is told from the points-of-view of three characters: Perry Chaplin, Father Paul (a Catholic priest), and the elusive Marlin Fisk. Although the titular Bobby is supposedly dead, his presence is felt in more ways than one!

"Bobby's Trace" is a combination of ghost-story, love-story and mystery novel, held together with the author's trademark black humour. At times bizarre and terrifying yet also beautifully uplifting, Edward C Patterson has crafted a literary jewel.

Once again Patterson proves to be a master when it comes to bringing out the emotional side of the characters, the subject matter, and the overall feel of the story.

Perry is emotionally distraught over the passing of his beloved Bobby. Bobby is still 'present' and is reaching out to communicate with Perry. Perry makes an attempt to get on with his life and goes on his first date since the funeral. Bobby tags along...and there is no putting this book down until the last page is reached.

Patterson has a way of including the reader in every thought, emotion and experience the characters have. At times it was hard to determine which emotion had priority, laugh hysterically or cry uncontrollably. When I finished the book, I was tempted to re-read it just to experience it all over again. This was a great book, a joy to read, and one I'll want to visit again.

Holy smokes! I don't want to give anything away! Touching, yet creepy. Funny, yet chilling. I used to hope someone would love me as much as Bobby loves Perry, but now I'm not so sure! Give it a read, you won't regret it.

Mr. Patterson has mastered the challenge of bringing his characters to life. I had no difficulty visualizing the characters and events, which allows the reader to forget they are reading a book, and immersed myself fully in the story. I was a tad disappointed that it was so short, and I believe the author could easily write a prequel and/or a sequel; however, the brevity in no way hinders what the story is meant to convey.

Captain Grey was an interesting book. The beggining wasn't the best but if you kept reading into it, it got a lot more exciting.I don't read a lot of books willingly but this book kept me interested.I would recomened this book to anyone who likes to read adventurous books and books that are somewhat historical.

I have really loved reading this exciting pirate adventure. It's a great story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. A thriller for all ages.

Captain Grey was a very good book the, begginning will make you borad but if you stay and read the book you will see that it is a intersting book.THIS WAS A GREAT BOOK.

Captain Grey was one of my favorite books by whos probaly my favorite author,Avi. Captain grey was really intresting, espally the end when __________ and then ___________ (you have to read the book).
The main charactor was Kevin and a little while later on in the book his sister. Kevin is an eleven year old boy who is captured by Captain Grey and his "free" army. His father went mad and took his kids and began wondering with Kevin and his sister. The father was not much of a charactor for he went mad, his kids didn't care for him and he was killed in the first few pages of the book.
The plot is where a boy Named kevin is kidnapped locked in a room, and then educated on how to load guns, and Cannons, fire things and do every thing u need to know on how to plunder large schooners. Kevin must earn the captains trust to be allowed to go outside come outside, eat any food, come on more trips of plundering, or even to survive. He must be trusted in order to ever destroy the captain and his men.
The book is basicly being kidnapped being forced to help your kidnapers and then getting revenge and escaping.
I really enjoyed this book because it had alot of suspense, and I love suspence. It also had a really great endingbut the begining was a bit confusing. So i give this book 5 stars.

We did this for a read aloud in our homeschool unit study about Pirates. It was the highlight of the day for the kids, a great story.

Michael Pellegrino provides some very good information about investing in tax liens in New Jersey. A great deal of the information and common sense advice will also be very helpful if you're considering investing in liens in other states, as long as you do your research and become thoroughly familiar with that state's and county's statutes and procedures. I definitely recommend this book as a good resource.

I was looking for further information about the NJ lien process. This book gave me further details to work with since NJ differs then other state liens.

this is by far the best bang for your buck. this book was very well written and easy enough for a 5th grader to understand. the details were also very helpful im looking foward to my 1st auction

Doesn't cover all states and only covers New Jersey, should have changed the title.

This is a book that I refer to often for my tax lien investing in New Jersey. New Jersey has very complicated tax lien laws and has become a very competitive state to buy liens in. I recommend to anyone who want to get involved in investing in New Jersey tax lien certificates that they read this book first. I found the chapters on foreclosure and what can go wrong very helpful.

This book was engaging & moving. I would not have read it save for the recommendation of a friend. You may be suprised at this delightful piece of work. I am very sorry to hear that Mr. Plummer and his adult son both died recently.

This is a lovely and very personal book. Bill Plummer writes with a passion and humor that is rarely found. His work serves at times as a painful mirror for his life while anticipating hope for the future.

About a year after this book reached the shelves, Bill's son Nicky died in his sleep. During May of this year (2001) Bill himself was struck by a severe heart attack that killed him.

The three men of "Wishing My Father Well" are with us now only on these pages. There is a great deal of life in this book. There is a great deal of Bill Plummer in these pages. Despite the losses that have occured, the book is warm, engaging, and humerous. I recommend that you invite Bill into your world through this work.

I miss Bill very much.

I read this book as a courtesy to my old flyfishing partner who gave it to me as a Christmas gift. I could tell from the summary on the dusk jacket that I would probably not like it very much . I was correct. I did not like it very much even though the setting was in my own home State of New Jersey on rivers that I have fished many times myself. I am so tired of flyfishing-as-therapy books. It is a hackneyed theme. Plummer's book is certainly not as bad as Harry Middleton's unreadable, flyfishing-as-therapy book "The Bright Country" but Plummer's book is also mercifully shorter. This book should sell as well as (or as poorly as) Plummer's "Buttercups and Strong Boys." To summarize my opinion of the book using Plummer's own words (see page 86), in writing the book, Plummer "was simply going where many others had been, redoing what had already been done many times before." If one wants to read an entertaining flyfishing-as-therapy book, try "Fly Fishing through the Midlife Crisis."

"Wishing My Father Well" is a brave, lucid, taut and tender book. In it, William Plummer provides a moving and efficient lesson about how much life and drama lie beneath unexamined surfaces, of a father's fishing diary or of a stream. With a gentle, lyric and occasionally comic touch, he exposes his sometimes harsh, often poignant personal struggle - as father, son and fisherman- to overcome misguided impulses, heart-rending fumblings, isolation and depression. As with all well-told love stories, the reader will ache over Plummer's mistakes and suffer the suspense of his tale's outcome because its handsomely-braided strands (Will he learn to read a stream? To treat his son as a child? To comprehend his father's retreat from the world of go-getters and learn to appreciate his passion for fishing nymphs?) reflect upon each other even as they bear witness to fundamental human experiences that are puzzles to us all. I am grateful for the personal risk Plummer took in writing a book of such compressed beauty and for his intelligent introduction to the mystique of fly-fishing, for which I wish him well.

William Plummer's WISHING MY FATHER WELL hooked me immediately not because I fly fish (I don't) but because of what I might learn about searching for the truth about one's father. I was not disappointed. With a bent for heartfelt nuance, Plummer crisply leads the reader to a convincing, satisfying revelation in the book's finale, which in turn conveys good counsel for sons and fathers alike. An honest and wise book.

Hilarious-----and True!!! Better written, better styled than anything written by Jimmy Breslin or Murray Kempton. If a movie was ever made, danny deVito would be the star. I know of no other book more widely read in law enforcement circles than this. I know one law sch prof who made it required reading.

Although Anthony Acceturo doesn't endorse this book, records and witnesses back up Rudolph's story. Anyone who is a diehard fan of The Sopranos on HBO knows that the character of Tony Soprano is based Anthony Acceturo. Their fictional and nonfictional paths mirror one another to the present - except Acceturo is now free of the Mafia and a legit businessman.

As a young man living in the area where this story takes place I can say that just like the man that is telling this story some is truth and some is fiction all in all it portrays Newark N.J. in the 70,s

Certainly worth the read, slow to start but when the story speeds up its pretty hard to put the book down.
In a nutshell, the Feds put together what they think is a watertight case against Lucchese capo Anthony Acceturo's New Jersey crew, but get more than they bargain for when the case reaches the courtroom, due in no small part to Martin Taccetta's attorney, one Michael Crithley.(Taccetta being Acceturo's protege and successor).
In a case that made history in the US, droning on for almost 2 years, the Feds roll out ex cons who have been planted in the Witness protection programm to put an end to thier one time partners in crime, only for Crithley to shoot them all down in flames, questioning the governments double standards in letting off convicted murderers and drug dealers,if they cut a deal with them,which sometimes might make you think that its the Feds on trial and not the Mob.
One of the main characters in an out of sorts thug called Jackie Dinorsico, who represents himself in the trial, and somehow stumbles his way through the trial,upsetting anyone that stands in his path.(the Judge and fellow defense attorneys included),and quite often humouring them.
Not your typical Mob read but definetly worth it, just to find out how 20+ mafia members and hangers on somehow managed to convince 12 weary srangers that it was the US government and not themselves were the bad guys after all.

Forget about "The Sopranos" - this is the real thing -- The New Jersey mob at its gritty and funny best. I've read a lot of "true" crime stories, but this one had me turning pages with all the anticipation of a suspense novel -- while laughing at the real-life antics of "The Boys." It's a treat to read.

Barbara Bretton knows how to keep the reader entertained and engrossed into her stories. Not one is alike, and anyone reading her book will find themselves wishing they were actually there, because somehow, as you read, you will find yourself going along with the main character! I suggest her books to anyone who wants to read a good story without violence, nastiness, or hatred. I think many women will relate with one story or a character from age 20 to 80. Good reading.

I love books by Barbara Bretton. This was a great story, a follow up to Shore Lights. I only wish there was a sequel. Wonderful character development. I read a couple of books each week and this is close to the top of my list!

I loved reading Aidan and Maddy's story, as well as those of the other friends and family in the community. I didn't know it is a continuation of Shore Lights, but I'm ordering that book tonight. You won't be disappointed because you get to know and care about these people, and it's about what matters most, sacrifices made, and the love of family and friends.

I love all of BB's books and this one is no exception. Maddy and Aidan prepare to walk down the aisle, but are sidestepped by Aidan's teenage daughter, Kelly. Great follow up to Shore Lights and can't wait for the next book!

This is a continuation from Barbara Bretton's book Shore Lights.

It follows the story of newly engaged couple Aiden O'Malley and Maddie Bainbridge along with their families.

Their relationship has had its share of troubles (such as when Aiden fell and broke his leg right before they were going to concemate their relationship for the first time) but during their engagement Aiden and Maddie get thrown for several loops that threaten their relationship.

Something is definitly going on with Maddies cousin Gina. She had been involved with Aiden's brother Billy years before his marriage to Clair Meehan, but there is a secret about Gina's son that threatens both of their families.

Clair O'Malley is also one of the loops thrown in Aiden and Maddies relationship. She has been like a mother to Aiden's daughter Kelly and does not like the fact that Maddie is threating that relationship. Is also is not comforable when one perticular journalist comes to town looking for a scoop for the marriage between the descendents of two of the towns founding families because Clair had a relationship with him after leaving her husband.

Aidens daughter Kelly also is a loop in Aiden and Maddie's relationship because the teenager is pregnant and does not know what to do.

Not the best I've read, but none the less, fascinating. For whatever reason I'm fascinated by the commercial fishing industry of all kinds. For the love of the ocean, which I must say I understand, I cannot understand anything being worth the risks and danger involved for the money. While every call for a policeman or fireman could be their last, nothing compares to going up against mother nature on a regular basis. I continue to be amazed by the complacency that these men possess. While they are aware of the dangers, safety measures don't seem to be part of their vocabulary.

I AGREE WITH ONE OF THE OTHER REVIEWERS THAT THIS WAS A PRETTY GOOD BOOK BUT NOT AS GOOD AS SOME FROM SPIKE WALKER AND THE PERFECT STORM BUT NONE THE LESS A GOOD READ ESPECIALLY TO LEARN ABOUT THE CLAMMING INDUSTR I DO BIELEVE THAT THE THE SHIP WRECK STORIS ARE JUST AS GUT WRENCHING

I enjoyed all the tales in this book and found the writing style flowed nicely despite what several other reviewers have reported.

I AGREE WITH ONE OF THE OTHER REVIEWERS THAT THIS WAS A PRETTY GOOD BOOK BUT NOT AS GOOD AS SOME FROM SPIKE WALKER AND THE PERFECT STORM BUT NONE THE LESS A GOOD READ ESPECIALLY TO LEARN ABOUT THE CLAMMING INDUSTR I DO BIELEVE THAT THE THE SHIP WRECK STORIS ARE JUST AS GUT WRENCHING

In a two-week period in 1999, four commercial clamming boats sank off the Atlantic Coast costing ten lives. The author, a journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, recounts the known facts of the sinkings, the lives of those who drowned and those who survived, and the interrelated circumstances. Many of the elements of the tragedies are familiar: heavy weather, Coast Guard helicopters, survival suits, men vanishing into the night. Campbell intelligently weaves in the real economic and commercial pressures on fishermen with details of the lives of hard-working men. These clammers have no illusions about their dangerous trade. They know they risk death, but most could not earn nearly the same wages elsewhere. The efforts of regulatory agencies to protect workers, preserve breeding stocks, and stabilize the markets come under scrutiny as well. An excellent choice for those interested in commercial fishing or sea stories.

I confess that I only read two chapters of this book before I decided that it was all that I could take.

Yes, Princeton's IAS was a place where extremely talented scientists congregated. All the same, what I read of this book was almost pathetic in the degree that the author doesn't as much describe the scientists there as people, as make them out to be a variety of superheros who must be described in adulatory, even groveling terms, an insult to their memories. Nor did I learn anything new - either in terms of science or biography - from the chapters I read; even worse, it was clear to me which books some, if not many, of the passages came from.

I wouldn't recommend this book.

Who Got Einstein's Office offers an interesting look at Princeton's Institute of Advanced Study, the famous people that work(ed) there, as well as their work. The book seems to suggest that the tenured researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study have done their best work before they joined; That somehow at the Institute, they were isolated from a vibrant academic life, from contact with other researchers and students in their field, etc. As such, the book is definitely worth reading.

Having said that much, I feel that I should voice my indignation at the way the author depicted and presented one of the greatest lights of this century, the logician Kurt Goedel.

It's almost embarrassing to me to mention this, since Goedel's work -- profound and deep and beautiful, is what most people that remember Goedel at all remember him for. But Goedel apparently had some difficulties of an emotional and mental nature that effected his life -- from adolescence to adulthood, difficulties that the author, Ed Regis, finds the generousity to mock. In describing Goedel's relationship with his mother and the influence it had on his romantic life, Regis refers to Goedel as "Kurtele" -- a diminutive of Goedel's first name -- like turning a "Richard" into "little Dicky"... This is but an example. Regis goes to greater length to belittle Goedel and the appreciation of his work. This is beneath contempt. However bizzare and eccentric and troubled Goedel's life was, Goedel himself was its only victim. Goedel left the world precious gems of thought and changed the world of logic and mathematics forever. I think he deserves quite a bit more respect and compassion than Ed Regis afforded him.

It certainly doesn't have to be the case that if you don't respect someone you also don't understand his work. It's just ironic that the author, who refers to Goedel mockingly as "The Grand High Exalted Mystical Ruler", fails to understand even the most basic things about Goedel's work: The incompleteness result is described as "... the mathematical equivalent of the assertion that 'This statement is unprovable.'" What could be simpler? Add to this Goedel's own self-doubts, and the author now begins to wonder whether the incompleteness theorem isn't in fact a rather obvious and straightforward result.

But as the saying goes, "God is in the detail", and the author doesn't even begin to see the subtleties involved: Mathematics "talking about itself" -- Goedel numbering as a mechanism for mathematics to encode sentences about methematics, a mathematical proposition "refering to itself" -- indexicals, expessing "this" in thematics... As a consequence of "mathematics talking about itself" -- the effective computability of the provability predicate -- What Goedel did in fact is write a scanner, parser and interpreter in type theory -- all in 1931 -- twenty-something years before there were computers around, and people could write canners, parsers and interpreters for programming languages. And Goedel got them all right -- scanner, parser and interpreter -- written maticulously as recursive and primitive recursive functions. Merely envisioning these back in 1931 is a tramendous intellectual achievement.

Not having appreciated the depth of Goedel's contributions to logic, it's no wonder Regis doesn't appreciate Goedel's admirers: In describing a meeting between Rudolf Rucker and Kurt Goedel, Regis qoutes Rucker's words of appreciation of Goedel's understanding and insight into the problems he raised during their meeting: "perfect understanding", "informative laghter", ... to which Regis has to contribute: "Of course! Why not? We're not talking about talking about a man, after all, a mere mortal. We're talking about the Emperor of the Forms, the Grand High Exalted Mystical Ruler."

Well, shame on you Ed Regis!

I'm surprised I didn't know about this book sooner. It was published in 1988 and definitely deserves to be better known.

This is one of the more enjoyable books on the history of science I've read. It details the history of the Princeton Institute for Advanced study through the lives and careers of some of its most famous scions. There are chapters on Einstein, Kurt Goedel, Oppenheimer, John von Neumann (the inventer of the electronic computer), and Ed Witten, the author of the string theory, and many others.

The book is full of amusing and fascinating details and stories about the many famous and often eccentric scientists and mathematicians who worked in its cloistered halls. For example, referring to Einstein's eventual obsession about disproving the uncertainty aspect of quantum mechanics, Oppenheimer once said, "Einstein is cuckoo." Oppenheimer once learned Greek so that he could read classic literature in the original. Upon learning that several of his fellow scientists were meeting to discuss Italian literature, he learned enough of it in a month to start reading the books. Godel developed a paranoid delusion and spent his last months refusing any food, eventually starving himself to death, having become convinced that his doctors were trying to poison him.

Before Einstein came to the U.S., there was a movement in Germany against "Jewish physics." One hundred supposed scientists joined this group and once held an anti-Einstein meeting at a large auditorium, with thousands of people in attendence. Einstein himself went to the event just to see what the whole thing was about, and finding out of course that their objections were nonsense and "absurd," as Einstein said. But it was at that point that Einstein finally decided things were getting a little too overheated in the Fatherland and he finally left for the states--their loss and our gain.

Another funny thing about Einstein was just how crazy the public went over him. They named everything from their children to their boats after him. One time Einstein visited the famous biologist J.B.S. Haldane in England, and his daughter fainted dead away at the sight of him.

The public may not have really understood much about Einstein's new ideas--light having weight, space actually being curved, and so on--but all that mattered was that Einstein understood it. He was the prophet of a new world order and would revolutionize our understanding of reality with his unique genius, and the public was practically giddy as a schoolgirl about Einstein as a result.

There are many other interesting and funny stories about the lives of these emminent thinkers in the book, but I'll leave the rest for you to read for yourself. This book is definitely worth your time and money.

A fine history of The Institute For Advanced Study, endowed as a place that would "permit a haven where scholars and scientists may regard the world and its phenomena as their laboratory without being carried off in the maelstrom of the immediate. . ."

A memorable series of oral histories / stories about the interaction of some of the 20th century's most famous theoretical physicists: Niels Bohr, Einstein, Max Planck, Lorentz, de Broglie and so many others who passed through the Institute. A fascinating look into the every day lives of some of the brightest stars in physics.

You don't need to know a thing about math or physics to enjoy this fine portrait of a fascinating group of minds at work and play.

If you are interested in what happened in the 20th century in science, technology, and ultimately history, then you will want to know what happened at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ in the 1930s - 1950s.

The array of talent at IAS from Einstein, Von Neumman, Godel, Pauli, and Dirac present at one-time was truly breathtaking.

The author was in New York in September 1981 and saw a TV show with Anna Hauptmann; after half a century she passionately declared her husband Richard was innocent of the crime. This impressed him enough to pick this subject for his next book. Other books were on miscarriages of justice. Kennedy is against the death penalty (but for euthanasia!?). He used the recently opened case archives in Trenton for this book. The 'Introduction' tells the reader what to expect from this very readable book.

Part One is a short biography of Charles Lindbergh. [It does not tell you that his Congressman father opposed the private banking cartel known as the Federal Reserve System.] Lindbergh's love of practical jokes suggests a flawed personality. Part Two tells of Richard Hauptmann. In the war he learned to do whatever it took to survive. Lawlessness increased after the war. Hauptmann burgled and robbed and was caught and sentenced. His adventures showed quick-witted daring. Hauptmann reported for work at 8 am, March 1, 1932. After work 5 pm he went home, then picked up his wife around 8 pm (p.80). Part Three explains what happened after the baby was kidnapped. Two sets of footprints were found leading from the ladder. The Lindberghs decided to stay over on Tuesday morning, so the kidnappers were either very lucky or had inside knowledge. After a ransom note arrived, $50,000 was given to a man in a Bronx cemetery. Then the body was found near the home. Part Four tells of the continuing investigation, and Hauptmann's life and friends. The Lindberghs lived as happily as possible. One of the ransom money bills led to the capture of Hauptmann.

Part Five notes the methods of the investigation of Hauptmann. Kennedy explains how a witness is prepared to identify a suspect (p.176), and criticizes their methods (p.177). But Hauptmann often lied (p.178). Pages 179-182 explain how the ransom note was forged: Hauptmann was forced to copy the note with its mistakes! There is implausibility in removing a plank from the attic (p.212). The fingerprints on the ransom note and ladder did not match Hauptmann; his shoe size did not match the footprints (pp.213-4). Page 216 tells how they found an eyewitness. Rail 16 was 1/16" thicker than the attic flooring (p.220)! Page 226 explains how evidence disappears when it challenges the prosecution's case. Part Six explains the actions of the Prosecution. Evidence was fabricated (p.242, 244). Defense lawyer Reilly was crooked or crazy (p.242). The trick with the ransom note is on page 276. The study of handwriting is an art, not a science (p.277). A chisel was removed to incriminate Hauptmann (p.295)! The "expert" witnesses impressed the jury. Part Seven tells of the efforts by the Defense lawyers. How could a professional carpenter make such a ramshackle ladder (p.309)? Page 314 tells how Wilentz threatened a defense witness. Rail 16 had "only one nail hole" after the kidnapping (p.317)! The other facts to prove it didn't come from the attic are on page 319. The jury found Hauptmann guilty in the first degree (p.344). Part Eight lists the efforts to overturn the sentence. Hauptmann's lawyers argued against the unreliable testimony of witnesses. The Court of Errors and Appeals affirmed the verdict. Given the evidence, the verdict was correct. Hauptmann "collected the ransom money and was therefore the kidnapper" (p.363). Governor Hoffman was advised that the trial was flawed, and Hauptmann was not guilty (p.366). Hauptmann pointed out the flaws in the case (p.367). The Court of Pardons would not commute his sentence (p.377). The evidence against guilt is on pages 383-384. There was a problem with Rail 16; it didn't fit (p.389)! The 'Epilogue' has the aftermath of the case. Page 409 tells of Lindbergh's gullibility on the German air force; or was it his fascist sympathy?

Kennedy says Hoffman "failed to win re-election as Governor in 1938" (p.408). Governors then were limited to one term of three years (as in most other states). The neighboring county is Warren, not "Warner" (p.241).

An extremely well written book covering the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. I actually felt like I was right there witnessing the whole thing unfold.

Ludovic Kennedy demonstrates that he posseses significant writing skills. He keeps the reader interested throughout. Of all the books putting forth a theory of Hauptmann's innocence, his is the best written.

However, from a historical perspective, it is actually quite disappointing. For example, Kennedy insists that Hauptmann was working on 3/1/32, the day of the crime. However, Hauptmann testified at trial that he was not working that day. There are also several bold statements offered without any source or footnote which are contradicted by original source materials from the New Jersey State Police Museum and Archives.

In summary, Sir Ludovic is an excellent writer with great literary skills, but his conclusions and research leave much to be desired.

The author was in New York in September 1981 and saw a TV show with Anna Hauptmann; after half a century she passionately declared her husband Richard was innocent of the crime. This impressed him enough to pick this subject for his next book. Other books were on miscarriages of justice. Kennedy is against the death penalty (but for euthanasia!?). He used the recently opened case archives in Trenton for this book. The 'Introduction' tells the reader what to expect from this very readable book.

Part One is a short biography of Charles Lindbergh. [It does not tell you that his Congressman father opposed the private banking cartel known as the Federal Reserve System.] Lindbergh's love of practical jokes suggests a flawed personality. Part Two tells of Richard Hauptmann. In the war he learned to do whatever it took to survive. Lawlessness increased after the war. Hauptmann burgled and robbed and was caught and sentenced. His adventures showed quick-witted daring. Hauptmann reported for work at 8 am, March 1, 1932. After work 5 pm he went home, then picked up his wife around 8 pm (p.80). Part Three explains what happened after the baby was kidnapped. Two sets of footprints were found leading from the ladder. The Lindberghs decided to stay over on Tuesday morning, so the kidnappers were either very lucky or had inside knowledge. After a ransom note arrived, $50,000 was given to a man in a Bronx cemetery. Then the body was found near the home. Part Four tells of the continuing investigation, and Hauptmann's life and friends. The Lindberghs lived as happily as possible. One of the ransom money bills led to the capture of Hauptmann.

Part Five notes the methods of the investigation of Hauptmann. Kennedy explains how a witness is prepared to identify a suspect (p.176), and criticizes their methods (p.177). But Hauptmann often lied (p.178). Pages 179-182 explain how the ransom note was forged: Hauptmann was forced to copy the note with its mistakes! There is implausibility in removing a plank from the attic (p.212). The fingerprints on the ransom note and ladder did not match Hauptmann; his shoe size did not match the footprints (pp.213-4). Page 216 tells how they found an eyewitness. Rail 16 was 1/16" thicker than the attic flooring (p.220)! Page 226 explains how evidence disappears when it challenges the prosecution's case. Part Six explains the actions of the Prosecution. Evidence was fabricated (p.242, 244). Defense lawyer Reilly was crooked or crazy (p.242). The trick with the ransom note is on page 276. The study of handwriting is an art, not a science (p.277). A chisel was removed to incriminate Hauptmann (p.295)! The "expert" witnesses impressed the jury. Part Seven tells of the efforts by the Defense lawyers. How could a professional carpenter make such a ramshackle ladder (p.309)? Page 314 tells how Wilentz threatened a defense witness. Rail 16 had "only one nail hole" after the kidnapping (p.317)! The other facts to prove it didn't come from the attic are on page 319. The jury found Hauptmann guilty in the first degree (p.344). Part Eight lists the efforts to overturn the sentence. Hauptmann's lawyers argued against the unreliable testimony of witnesses. The Court of Errors and Appeals affirmed the verdict. Given the evidence, the verdict was correct. Hauptmann "collected the ransom money and was therefore the kidnapper" (p.363). Governor Hoffman was advised that the trial was flawed, and Hauptmann was not guilty (p.366). Hauptmann pointed out the flaws in the case (p.367). The Court of Pardons would not commute his sentence (p.377). The evidence against guilt is on pages 383-384. There was a problem with Rail 16; it didn't fit (p.389)! The 'Epilogue' has the aftermath of the case. Page 409 tells of Lindbergh's gullibility on the German air force; or was it his fascist sympathy?

Kennedy says Hoffman "failed to win re-election as Governor in 1938" (p.408). Governors then were limited to one term of three years (as in most other states). The neighboring county is Warren, not "Warner" (p.241). One important clue in this case was the baby's pajamas; whoever had them took the baby. Where is this mentioned?

I have read several books about the Lindbergh kidnapping and the Trial of the Century. A friend recommended The Airman and The Carpenter: The Lindbergh Kidnapping and the Framing of Richard Hauptmann by Ludovic Kennedy. Whether or not you believe that Bruno Richard Hauptmann was guilty in the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby, you can't help but be outraged over this historic trial.

Kennedy starts by giving a brief look at the backgrounds of Charles Lindbergh and Richard Hauptmann, as well as the period of time leading up to the kidnapping. Months after the baby was kidnapped and the ransom paid, the baby's remains were discovered four miles from the Lindbergh home. Marked ransom bills trickled into circulation, but it wasn't until over two years later that an astute gas station attendant wrote the license plate number of a patron who paid for his gas in marked gold certificates. This led police to the illegal German immigrant, Bruno Richard Hauptmann.

From the time of the arrest, the New Jersey State Police, led by Norman Schwartzkopf, Sr. latched onto Hauptmann and refused to consider any other scenario or suspect. Schwartzkopf was ill-prepared to handle such an important and high-profile case, having "never patrolled a beat or arrested a criminal." In fact, his only experience was as a floor-walker for a department store. He also refused to bring in the FBI (kidnapping was not a federal crime until after the Lindbergh kidnapping). Believing that Hauptmann was guilty but having only circumstantial evidence, the state police went to extremes to see that Hauptmann was convicted. They doctored employment records and confiscated others. They took his two ¾" chisels out of his toolbox, and then presented the toolbox in court--claiming that the chisel found at the crime scene belonged to Hauptmann. They suppressed evidence that showed that more than one person was involved, and that someone in the Lindbergh household may have provided inside information. They got two Lindbergh neighbors to lie and say they saw Lindbergh near the crime scene. They refused to allow the defense team to see Hauptmann's house or garage. This list goes on and on. And if it wasn't bad enough that the prosecution cheated and lied at every turn, his own lawyer was a big Lindbergh fan (had a photo of the aviator on his desk) and never believed in his client's innocence. The incompetent Edward J. Reilly was paid for by the Hearst Press and suffered from alcoholism and the final stages of syphilis. In four months time, he spent only 38 minutes with his client. One of Hauptmann's secondary attorneys claimed that "This is the greatest tragedy in the history of New Jersey. Time will never wash it out."

The major complaint that I have with The Airman and The Carpenter is that Kennedy gives us only a very superficial examination of the aftermath of the trial. Written in 1985, he certainly could have looked much farther than he did. While I am still not convinced that Hauptmann was totally innocent, I do believe a gross miscarriage of justice was done in that Flemington, NJ courthouse.