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A review by librarianonparade
The Devil's Gentleman: Privilege, Poison, and the Trial That Ushered in the Twentieth Century by Harold Schechter
4.0
This is quite a lengthy book, which is eminently appropriate since the case related within at the time set a record for the longest trial in American history. From the date of the murders which set things in motion to the final result, it dragged on for over four years, through a coroner's hearing, an incredibly long and expensive trial, appeals, another trial. It makes the book somewhat hard-going, as the endless legal wrangling is somewhat tedious, but since it's in keeping with the events related within it doesn't spoil the book.
Taking place in the final years of the nineteenth century, this is a fascinating look at the privileged life of the wealthy in Gilded Age New York, although not the top 400 of the Astors and Vanderbilts. Roland Molineux was a wealthy son of a revered Civil War general, a renowned athlete and member of an exclusive athletics club - and after the death of one member and the attempted poisoning of the club director, suspicious fell on Roland as the poisoner.
The final result of the case is somewhat murky - I won't say more for fear of spoiling the read - but reading this book you're left in little doubt as to where the author believes the guilt lies. I'm inclined to agree with him, although of course how much he intends his audience to think that way, given the way the evidence is presented, is a matter for speculation. Either way, it makes for an engrossing read.
Taking place in the final years of the nineteenth century, this is a fascinating look at the privileged life of the wealthy in Gilded Age New York, although not the top 400 of the Astors and Vanderbilts. Roland Molineux was a wealthy son of a revered Civil War general, a renowned athlete and member of an exclusive athletics club - and after the death of one member and the attempted poisoning of the club director, suspicious fell on Roland as the poisoner.
The final result of the case is somewhat murky - I won't say more for fear of spoiling the read - but reading this book you're left in little doubt as to where the author believes the guilt lies. I'm inclined to agree with him, although of course how much he intends his audience to think that way, given the way the evidence is presented, is a matter for speculation. Either way, it makes for an engrossing read.