Paging New Jersey

For 300 years, New Jersey writers, books, and historical events have helped shape the cultural landscape of the nation, and yet the state is rarely credited for its numerous contributions to American letters and folklore. Paging New Jersey is just the book for those interested in uncovering a treasure trove of information about the Garden States key role in the creation of U.S. literary and popular culture. New Jersey writers from Stephen Crane to Toni Morrison are included as well as longtime Camden resident Walt Whitman and Newark native Philip Roth. James F. Brodericks unique look at the states literary and cultural history answers intriguing Jersey-related questions such as: how author Peter Benchley got the idea for Jaws; where Aaron Burr shot Alexander Hamilton; why the Hindenberg exploded over Lakehurst in 1937; and where to find help in locating Captain Kidds buried treasure along the Jersey Shore. Most people know that televisions fictional Tony Soprano lives in New Jersey, but what about the states other mobsters The real goombahs? Who are they and what have these particular Jersey devils written? Full of commentary, biographical information, and historyalong with suggested reading lists Paging New Jersey is a crash course in Jerseyana. For those who live in the state, expatriots, and yes, even those who think all New Jersey has to offer is the Turnpike, Brodericks engaging yet learned book provides an entertaining look at the Garden States rich cultural heritage.