Legends, Lore and Secrets of New England

American Legends

by Thomas D'Agostino, Arlene Nicholson

New England's history is marked with witch executions, curses and an untold number of cemeteries hiding mysteries beneath their stones. In this sometimes harsh landscape, the truth is often stranger than fiction. Examine the footprints burned into the ledge of Devil's Foot Rock in Rhode Island. Spend a night at the Kennebunk Inn in Maine, where the mischievous specter of Silas Perkins still resides. Traverse an old dirt road near Sterling, Connecticut, where the Darn Man's frozen body was uncovered in 1863. Authors Thomas D'Agostino and Arlene Nicholson uncover the history behind the region's best-kept secrets and lore. As you flip through these pages of New England's legends, tread lightly--you just might find a story that will follow you home.

Genres: History, Paranormal, Nonfiction

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2013

Reviews

[Jessica Fellows · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book did not live up to what I was hoping. The stories seemed to be more theory and guesses about what may have happened. The stories also don’t indicate where they take place clearly. The idea of reading this book for me was to learn of exciting hidden places to take my kids. The book did a poor job in the stories didn’t even always have a physical place or object to visit. Out of all the stories only a handful were intriguing. Such a shame.

[Sue Wargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the newest book by Putnam authors Tom D'Agostino and Arlene Nicholson. It is a slight departure from their paranormal stories and features the folklore and legends that fill the landscape that is New England. The authors paid close attention to the real history behind the stories and dispel many myths. I. Was captivated by this interesting look into these famous and infamous regional stories.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this compilation of legendary stories from New England, many including both the legend and as much of the historical truth behind it as the author was able to verify. Not surprisingly, these were often very different, but there was always at least a germ of truth. Sometimes, the legendary version is just plan a better story. And sometimes, the truth needs little embellishment. I particularly enjoyed the story of a tavern deliberately built to straddle a state line...making it a bit difficult for the authorities in either to enforce after-hours drinking laws. If you enjoy stories associated with particular locales, that evoke a particular atmosphere and sense of place, this one is fun to read.

[Haleigh Villemaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book at a gas station while road-tripping through Rhode Island, so I’d be lying if I said I had high expectations. I was wrong to think that, as I found every story within the covers intriguing. The legends vary in length, some short and others long, but they all contain information both historical and theoretical. If I had to pick a favorite story it would be The Indian Ghost of Hannah Frank.

[Sharon Healy-Yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fascinating tales of the Northeast. Ghosts, curses, saints, natural phenomena - all well related. It was interesting to read about legends that take place right in areas with which I am familiar. The prose could be a bit smoother in some places.

[Aryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love legends!! Some spooky stories too, just perfect for October.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creepy stuff going on in my backyard. Such an interesting and spooky history...