Boston Curiosities: A History of Beantown Barons, Molasses Mayhem, Polemic Patriots and the Fluff in Between

by Ted Clarke

Boston has been a favorite backdrop for novels, films and television series, but some of the best stories about the city are true ones. Historian Ted Clarke explores these stories both the familiar and the obscure that have earned Boston such epithets as 'the epicenter of American crime fiction', 'the cradle of liberty' and 'the ice cream capital of the world'. The fifteen-foot tidal wave of molasses that roared down Commercial Street in 1919 is one of the more famous legends. Lesser known, but equally stunning, is the case of Albert Tirrell, who in 1845 murdered his mistress in a Boston boardinghouse but was released after presenting the first successful sleepwalking defense in the United States. From the mysterious story of John Jacob Loud, who patented the first ballpoint pen, to the dubious early enterprises of merchant prince turned philanthropist Thomas Perkins, Boston Curiosities offers up a medley of memorable events that give Beantown its celebrated flavor.

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

"Taking the High Ground: How Boston Broke thee British Grip\r
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'Boston Curiosities'\r
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'Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the Building of Boston""

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded to a 4 because it was short

[Diana Rios · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is only 126 pages but it has content for everyone; wether you are looking to learn about interesting Bostonians, fun food, or mystery, it is a quick, engaging delight. Who reads this will be inspired to research more about Boston, or visit Boston and its surrounding areas, even if they already live here.