Synopses & Reviews
The riveting true story of one of the nations most infamous trials and executions.
When the state of Massachusetts electrocuted Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti on August 23, 1927, it concluded one of the most controversial legal cases in American history. In the eight decades since, debate has raged over what was probably a miscarriage of justice.
In the first full-length narrative of the case in thirty years, Bruce Watson unwinds a gripping tale that opens with anarchist bombs going off in a posh Washington, D.C., neighborhood and concludes with worldwide outrage over the execution of the good shoemaker and the poor fish peddler. Sacco and Vanzetti mines deep archives and new sources, unveiling fresh details about these nave dreamers and militant revolutionaries. This case still haunts the American imagination. Authoritative and engrossing, Sacco and Vanzetti will capture fans of true crime books and everyone who enjoys riveting American history.
Review
"Meticulously tracking their trial, Watson extensively quotes its record as he dramatizes questionable aspects of the proceeding, such as conflicting witnesses and a prejudicial judge." Booklist
Review
"This careful and thoughtful volume is a valuable addition to the extensive literature on this landmark case." Christian Science Monitor
Review
"Watson does a terrific job of reviewing the historical record of the trial, drawing compelling portraits of the principals, their families, and partisans on both sides of the bitter controversy." Seattle Times
Synopsis
In this groundbreaking narrative of one of America?s most divisive trials and executions, award-winning journalist Bruce Watson mines deep archives and newly available sources to paint the most complete portrait available of the ?good shoemaker? and the ?poor fish peddler.? Opening with an explosion that rocks a quiet Washington, D.C., neighborhood and concluding with worldwide outrage as two men are executed despite widespread doubts about their guilt,
Sacco and Vanzetti is the definitive history of an infamous case that still haunts the American imagination.
About the Author
Bruce Watson is an award-winning journalist whose articles have been published in Smithsonian, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, San Francisco Examiner, Yankee Magazine, and The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2003.