{"title":"Alex Hortis","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the intriguing world of Alex Hortis with our dedicated collection. Known for his captivating writing style, Hortis delves into the nuances of history and personal narratives, offering readers a fresh perspective on life and time periods long past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the standout titles in this collection is \u003cem\u003eThe Witch of New York\u003c\/em\u003e. In this fascinating book, Hortis paints a vivid portrait of a lesser-known figure in New York's history, taking readers on a journey through forgotten stories and the mystical aspects of urban folklore. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply love a gripping biography, this book is sure to captivate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHortis's works are a perfect blend of factual retelling and enthralling storytelling, making them an ideal choice for those interested in Biography \u0026amp; Memoir genres. Dive into his collection and discover the rich tapestries of human stories that Alex Hortis weaves with such finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-witch-of-new-york-by-alex-hortis-9781639363919","title":"The Witch of New York","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore the sensational cases of Amanda Knox and Casey Anthony—before even Lizzie Borden—there was Polly Bodine, the first American woman put on trial for capital murder in our nation’s debut media circus.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn Christmas night, December 25, 1843, in a serene village on Staten Island, shocked neighbours discovered the burnt remains of twenty-four-year-old mother Emeline Houseman and her infant daughter, Ann Eliza. In a perverse nativity, someone bludgeoned to death a mother and child in their home—and then covered up the crime with hellfire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen an ambitious district attorney charges Polly Bodine (Emeline’s sister-in-law) with a double homicide, the new “penny press” explodes. Polly is a perfect media villain: she’s a separated wife who drinks gin, commits adultery, and has had multiple abortions. Between June 1844 and April 1846, the nation was enthralled by her three trials—in Staten Island, Manhattan, and Newburgh—for the “Christmas murders.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter Polly’s legal dream team entered the fray, the press and the public debated not only her guilt but her character and fate as a fallen woman in society. Public opinion split into different camps over her case. Edgar Allen Poe and Walt Whitman covered her case as young newsmen. P. T. Barnum made a circus out of it. James Fenimore Cooper’s last novel was inspired by her trials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Witch of New York\u003c\/em\u003e is the first narrative history about the duelling trial lawyers, ruthless newsmen, and shameless hucksters who turned the Polly Bodine case into America’s formative tabloid trial. An origin story of how America became addicted to sensationalised reporting of criminal trials, \u003cem\u003eThe Witch of New York\u003c\/em\u003e vividly reconstructs an epic mystery from Old New York—and uses the Bodine case to challenge our system of tabloid justice today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46556190474476,"sku":"9781639363919","price":54.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/18715103482771.jpg?v=1750142884"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/alex-hortis.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}