And Speaking of Books….

Ten Days in a Mad-House was initially published as a series of articles for the New York World written by newspaper reporter Nellie Bly. Bly later compiled the articles into a book, which was published by Ian L. Munro in New York City in 1887. The book comprised Bly’s reportage for the New York World while on an undercover assignment in which she feigned insanity at a women’s boarding house, so as to be involuntarily committed to the Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum. She then investigated the reports of brutality and neglect at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.

The book’s graphic depiction of conditions at the asylum during the turn of the century caused a sensation which brought Bly lasting fame and prompted a grand jury to launch its own investigation with Bly assisting. The jury’s report resulted in an $850,000 increase in the budget of the Department of Public Charities and Corrections. It’s a quick read and a fun look into quite a different side of the turn of the century.

City of Light

by Lauren Belfer

The year is 1901. Buffalo, New York, is poised for glory. With its booming industry and newly electrified streets, Buffalo is a model for the century just beginning.

Louisa Barrett has made this dazzling city her home. Headmistress of Buffalo’s most prestigious school, Louisa is at ease in a world of men, protected by the titans of her city. But nothing prepares her for a startling discovery: evidence of a murder tied to the city’s cathedral-like power plant at nearby Niagara Falls. This shocking crime–followed by another mysterious death–will ignite an explosive chain of events. For in this city of seething intrigue and dazzling progress, a battle rages among politicians, power brokers, and industrialists for control of Niagara. And one extraordinary woman in their midst must protect a dark secret that implicates them all.

With exhilarating twists and turns, City of Light by Lauren Belfer will not be something you put down until the very last page.

For more information on this year’s selections check out www.Arts-CraftsConference.com and register today! And, for your continued reading pleasure, head on over to our Reference Library where we’ve listed hundreds of books hitting on nearly every aspect of the Arts and Crafts Movement.