Simon Baatz (Books)

Simon Baatz Books

Simon Baatz, a legal history professor, delves into a sensational early 20th-century scandal that captivated New York. His work centers on the Evelyn Nesbit affair and the murder of Stanford White, meticulously drawing from contemporary newspaper accounts rather than later, less reliable memoirs. This approach provides the most accurate narrative of the events, highlighting the enduring nature of predatory behavior by powerful men, a theme that resonates with contemporary issues.

For the Thrill of It

Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder That Shocked Jazz Age Chicago

560 pages
20 hours of reading

3.8(161)Add rating

The 1924 murder of a child in Chicago by affluent college students Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, driven by a desire for thrill, shocked the nation. Their belief in their intellectual superiority led them to think they could evade capture. Upon their arrest, state's attorney Robert Crowe aimed for the death penalty, but the families enlisted renowned defense attorney Clarence Darrow. This case became one of the most sensational trials in American history, raising profound questions about morality, justice, and the influence of wealth.