Local author's talk on LB

This the place to have frank, but cordial, discussions of the Lizzie Borden case

Moderator: Adminlizzieborden

Post Reply
Diane
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2017 2:23 pm
Real Name: Diane Joy Baker

Local author's talk on LB

Post by Diane »

Monday night, I attended a church supper club where a local true crime writer, the author of (Queen City Gothic) presented a talk on Lizzie Borden. Unfortunately, I've forgotten his name.

Frankly, I've had little interest in the case until I heard his presentation. [He thinks she did the deed. His talk was factual and he has been to the house, photographing it extensively. Had he written a book on LB, I might well purchase it, but he hasn't. Yet. He may well write one in future, but it's only a yearning right now.] I did read a very strange novel on LB by Seanan McGuire, but the Lovecraftian element in this fantasy, while fun, was outrageous for anyone who really wants info on the real case. I'm wanting writing on the level of Bugliosi or Posner on the assassination of JFK--my two top books on that particular case, and the most convincing---or else the books on FBI profiling of true life criminals. The man I'm thinking of did at least three of these back in the late eighties or early nineties. His thoughts on the LB case might be informative---if he's published any, but again, I need his name.

Now, I'd just like to have some recommendations on which NON-fiction and FACT-based books I should start with as a complete amateur on the Borden case. Many thanks.
User avatar
twinsrwe
Posts: 4457
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:49 pm
Gender: Female
Real Name: Judy
Location: Wisconsin

Re: Local author's talk on LB

Post by twinsrwe »

Hello Diane, welcome to the forum. You have joined the most accurate and fact filled forum that is available on Lizzie Borden and Borden Murders.

The author of Queen City Gothic, is J. T. Townsend. Following are a couple of web sites where he writes about Lizzie Borden. JT’S Top 10 Lizzie Borden Case Mysteries: http://tinyurl.com/y9aj39fe and An Astrologer Looks at Lizzie Borden: http://tinyurl.com/ycxppno2

In order to obtain a fact based foundation for learning about the Lizzie Border case, I highly recommend that you first read through the PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS; here is a link to web site: http://tinyurl.com/y9kwl9t7

I obtained the link for the PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS from the LIZZIE ANDREW BORDEN VIRTUAL MUSEUM & LIBRARY, which is created and maintained by the administrator of the forum you just joined. I hope you find it interesting to read through the information here: http://tinyurl.com/ydduvjzj

I highly recommend reading through the threads on this forum. I think you will become intrigued with the Borden Murder case, after reading different aspects of the case that are posted by people who have studied this case for decades. Feel free to make comments or ask questions on any thread. We will be glad to answer questions and discuss the case with you.

You can find more threads at, The Lizzie Borden Society archive: http://tinyurl.com/pmdjkbr

You asked for some recommendations on which non-fiction and fact-based books you should start on as a amateur on the Borden case. After reading through the Primary ource Documents, then I recommend the following books:

Lizzie Borden: Past & Present, by Leonard Rebello: http://tinyurl.com/z77mvwu

Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden and Her Fall River, by Michael Martins and Dennis A. Binette: http://tinyurl.com/y7kuw5d4
In remembrance of my beloved son:
"Vaya Con Dios" (Spanish for: "Go with God"), by Anne Murray ( https://tinyurl.com/y8nvqqx9 )
“God has you in heaven, but I have you in my heart.” ~ TobyMac (https://tinyurl.com/rakc5nd )
mbhenty
Posts: 4427
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 1:20 am
Real Name:

Re: Local author's talk on LB

Post by mbhenty »

Yes, indeed. Twin's suggestion is spot on.



My suggestion to someone who is starting out in studying the case is to approach the murders through popular culture, that is to say, books, reading some of the more successful but flawed accounts on the case. My favorite is Edward Radin's LIZZIE BORDEN, THE UNTOLD STORY. Some others are: David Kent's FORTY WHACKS, Frank Spiering's LIZZIE, and Victoria Lincoln's A PRIVATE DISGRACE. (great title, by the way).

If you are a prolific reader, end your casual reading by digesting, and I do mean diiiiiiigesting Arnold Brown's, LIZZIE BORDEN THE LEGEND, THE TRUTH, THE FINAL CHAPTER. (which, believe me, is anything but truth or final) It deals with Billy Borden, supposedly, Lizzie's illegitimate brother who did the crime. Read it only if you have time to burn on your hands or want to know enough to debate those who believe in its dubious account.

Of course all these accounts have their errors and flawed personal agendas about who committed the crime and why, but give you an excellent idea behind the crime and Borden lives. (Oh yes, and there is Robert Sullivan's GOOD BYE LIZZIE BORDEN. (another great title)

Once you have read these accounts you will be ready to dive into LIZZIE BORDEN PAST AND PRESENT and PARALLEL LIVES.

Parallel Lives is about Lizzie, her friends and family and mostly life after the murders. There is almost nothing about the murders in this book. Very historical, correct, and engaging, and it can at times become overwhelming for some of us.

Rebello's book is more of a bible. Who's who and what's what. You will not get a perspective on the events or unfolding of the crime, but on known facts.

A good start in your studies would be the primary sources and court testimony. And keep in mind. There's a lot of erroneous information out there. Loads of it. And one of your best sources is this forum.

Happy reading. :smile:

:study:
Post Reply