Saving Sin City

William Travers Jerome, Stanford White, and the Original Crime of the Century

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Pub Date 1 May 2018 | Archive Date 30 Apr 2018

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Description

When Stanford White, one of the most famous architects of the era—whose mark on New York City is second to none—was murdered by Harry K. Thaw in 1906, his death become known as “The Crime of the Century.” But there were other players in this love triangle gone wrong that would play a part in the incredible story of White’s murderer. Chief among them was the ambitious district attorney William Travers Jerome, who had the opportunity to make—or break—his career with his prosecution of Thaw. Award-winning journalist Mary Cummings reveals a new angle to this incredible crime through Jerome’s story—a story that is ripe for our post-“Serial” era. Thaw was the debauched and deranged heir to a Pittsburgh fortune who had a sadistic streak. White was an artistic genius and one of the world’s premier architects who would become obsessed with a teenaged chorus girl, Evelyn Nesbit. White preyed on Nesbit, who, in a surprising twist, also became a fixation for Thaw. Nesbit and Thaw would later marry, but Thaw’s lingering jealousy and anger toward White over his past history with Nesbit would explosively culminate in White’s shocking murder—and the even more shocking trial of Thaw for a murder that was committed in front of dozens of eye witnesses. The promising young D.A. would find his faith in himself and the law severely tested as he battled colorful crooks, licentious grandees, and corrupt politicians.  Cummings brilliant reveals the social issues simmering below the surface of New York that Jerome had to face. Filled with mesmerizing drama, rich period details, and fascinating characters, Saving Sin City sheds fresh light on crimes whose impact still echoes throughout the twenty-first century.

When Stanford White, one of the most famous architects of the era—whose mark on New York City is second to none—was murdered by Harry K. Thaw in 1906, his death become known as “The Crime of the...


Advance Praise

“Mary Cummings breathes new and exciting life into the White-Thaw-Nesbit case, turning the eternal triangle into a dramatic pentagon with an ambitious D. A. and suave defense lawyer locked in a battle of images stronger than facts. She tells it all: flawed personalities, a range of motivations, and sensational behind-the-scenes revelations that keep us eager for more. She narrates this page-turner as if it had happened yesterday 'at a time not unlike our own.'” - James Presley, author of THE PHANTOM KILLER


“In Saving Sin City, Mary Cummings shows us a view of Gotham that is more like a Great Ball of Fire, exploding in decadence, secret politics, and the tickle of unavenged, sensationalized murder. Though there is always an endless supply of candidates for the "Crime of the Century," the author makes a grand and compelling case for this one: the murder of playboy architect Stanford White on the rooftop of Madison Square Garden by a jealous and vindictive madman. This story—of a Gilded Age love triangle gone bloody and dark— has been told before, but not like this. Cummings finally magnifies the story and role of William Travers Jerome, the district attorney, revealing at last how an open-and-shut murder—in front of witnesses, no less— became a truly unforgettable case for the ages. At the end, a kind of justice would finally be reached, but at great personal and political cost. True crime readers and courtroom aficionados alike will absorb Cummings' quick, journalistic style as if they were reading a newspaper in 1906, following every typeset word with hyperactive flurry in an attempt to reach the truth.” - Brad Ricca, author of Mrs. Sherlock Holmes and Super Boys


“Saving Sin City is The Age of Innocence meets Dominick Dunne. Mary Cummings is a wonderful storyteller and brings to life a rich, fascinating era at the turn of the last century, from ballrooms to courtrooms, with a fascinating cast of characters, high and low.” - Steven Gaines, author of Philistines at the Hedgerow

“Mary Cummings breathes new and exciting life into the White-Thaw-Nesbit case, turning the eternal triangle into a dramatic pentagon with an ambitious D. A. and suave defense lawyer locked in a...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781681777467
PRICE US$27.95 (USD)
PAGES 336

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