Schwarz relates the story of the disparate characters and forces that converged around Count Folke Bernadotte, who engineered the rescue of nearly 30,000 concentration camp prisoners only to be later assassinated by Zionist extremists during his attempts to negotiate a peace between Arabs and Jews in Jerusalem in 1948. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
Focusing on the mind of a brutal killer, this psychological study delves into the gruesome secrets of Ken Bianchi, revealing the complexities of his crimes of rape and murder. The narrative is enriched with exclusive insights from extensive interviews with Bianchi, his girlfriend, psychiatrists, and law enforcement officials, providing a chilling exploration of his psyche and the impact of his actions on those around him.
Exploring the intersection of organized crime and the film industry, this book chronicles the mob's influence in Hollywood from the 1920s through the 1980s. It reveals how figures like Joe Kennedy shaped the early cinematic landscape and how the mob's power waned as independent studios emerged. The narrative blends humor, violence, and tragedy, detailing key events and figures, including the scrutiny of Ronald Reagan's ties to the mob, ultimately showcasing the decline of mob influence in Hollywood's evolving landscape.
The book delves into the quirky and often outrageous stories of Cleveland's inhabitants, from notorious bank robbers to eccentric performers. It highlights figures like Eddie Watkins, a self-styled bank robber, and a burlesque star credited with inventing the striptease. Readers will encounter a mix of historical and contemporary characters, including con artists and street musicians, showcasing the city's unique blend of mischief and talent. Ted Schwarz's narrative celebrates the fascinating and bizarre aspects of Cleveland's cultural landscape.
The Small-Town Texas Runaway Who Became a Darling of the Mob and the Queen of Las Vegas Burlesque
The narrative follows Juanita Slusher, famously known as Candy Barr, a celebrated burlesque dancer in 1950s Vegas who captivated audiences with her dynamic performances. Her tumultuous journey began with a traumatic childhood marked by betrayal, leading her to a life of escape and exploitation. Candy's rise to fame brought her into the orbit of influential figures, but it also led to legal troubles and entanglements with significant historical events, including the investigation into President Kennedy's assassination.
The narrative centers on a street musician in Cleveland known for his unique saxophone performances that resonate with commuters and sports fans alike. It explores his journey from a brief moment of musical fame to playing for tips on the streets. Through the curiosity of Ted Schwarz, who initially encounters the Sax Man while hurrying to work, the book delves into not only his personal story but also the broader R&B scene and the lives of the musicians connected to it, revealing a rich tapestry of music and culture.
Eliot Ness's portrayal diverges from the Hollywood narrative, focusing instead on the colorful and eccentric characters of Cleveland. Ted Schwarz highlights a range of fascinating figures, from Eddie Watkins, a brash bank robber, to a burlesque star who pioneered the striptease and a con artist claiming to be Andrew Carnegie's illegitimate child. The narrative celebrates both notorious misdeeds and unique accomplishments, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Cleveland's past and present through its offbeat personalities, including street musician Maurice Reedus Jr.
Cleveland's hidden mob history unfolds through the exploits of notorious figures like Micky McBride, who transformed newsboys into toughs and played a pivotal role in establishing the Cleveland Browns. The narrative explores unique elements such as the Jewish Navy's smuggling operations and the influential clubs where mobsters like Moe Dalitz thrived. Author Ted Schwarz delves into the city's secretive past, tracing wanted killers and revealing the intertwining of crime and culture that shaped Cleveland's legacy.
