Book Launch: Dan and Leslie Landrigan "Bar Harbor Babylon: Murder, Misfortune, and Scandal on Mount Desert Island"

Description

Mount Desert Island has been called home by a collection of murderers, thieves, cheaters and scammers. Join authors Dan and Leslie Landrigan at the Jesup Memorial Library on Thursday, May 23 at 7 p.m. for the launch of their book “Bar Harbor Babylon: Murder, Misfortune, and Scandal on Mount Desert Island.” They will share the stories of some of the real, colorful characters that they highlight in their book.
 
For decades, the wealthy came to Mount Desert Island and tried to hide their gambling, drinking and extramarital affairs. Bed-hopping Wall Street tycoons hid behind church-going veneers, while Philadelphia socialites hid their involvement with a murdered New York showgirl. Other people who called the island home, included a gold miner who made millions and then got murdered—perhaps by the former King of England and a Washington newspaper publisher who fed whiskey to his pet seal. Other true stories featured in the book include a cursed diamond, a murderous butler, a gold digger who survived the Titanic and a serial killer whose criminal career began at the Bar Harbor Ferry Terminal. Learn more about the stories of misadventure and misfortune that dot the island’s past.
 
The Landrigans are the authors of the blog New England Historical Society, which has been visited more than three million times. With backgrounds in journalism and publishing, they now live on the coast in Stonington, Maine, where they pursue their passionate interest in history.  
 
This talk is sponsored by First National Bank and First National Wealth Management. Books will be on sale that night courtesy of co-sponsor Sherman’s Books. For more information on the talk, contact the Jesup at 207-288-4245.