The book explores the significance of New England over 400 years, highlighting its evolving identity shaped by immigrants, natives, Puritans, and patriots. It emphasizes the dual themes of transformation and continuity, illustrating how each generation has contributed to the region's collective philosophy and shared history. Through reflection on its past, the narrative commemorates the enduring legacy of New England and its impact on both its inhabitants and the wider world.
Explore the rich history of Hamden, Connecticut, from its Puritan roots to its role in the Industrial Revolution, highlighted by Eli Whitney's factory. Discover intriguing local tales, including the buried cars in the Ghost Lot and the bravery of Hamden soldiers in the Civil War. Eric D. Lehman guides you through this picturesque town, revealing its unique charm and hidden stories set against the backdrop of the stunning Sleeping Giant and the rolling hills of the region.
Exploring the deep connection between Connecticut's residents and their culinary traditions, this book delves into the state's rich food history. It highlights the evolution of local ingredients, recipes, and dining practices, showcasing how these elements reflect the cultural and social dynamics of the region. Through engaging narratives, readers will discover the significance of food in shaping Connecticut's identity and community.
Focusing on the historical significance of Connecticut's 170 town greens, this book delves into their origins as central hubs during Colonial times. It highlights how these greens evolved into vital community spaces for events and gatherings, maintaining their role as focal points in contemporary towns. Additionally, the book serves as a practical guide to current happenings on these greens, intertwining history with modern community life.
Set in late nineteenth-century Bridgeport, the narrative explores the multifaceted legacy of P.T. Barnum, who shaped the city's urban landscape while also being a celebrated circus figure. Eric D. Lehman weaves together tales of the city's natural beauty and its unique history, highlighting notable figures such as the courageous women of the Black Rock Lighthouse and the war heroes linked to the city's industrial might. The collection also features captivating stories about iconic personalities like Tom Thumb and the poignant tale of Jumbo the elephant, showcasing Connecticut's vibrant heritage.
The book explores the lives of notable figures from Connecticut, highlighting their inventive spirits and significant contributions to history. It features a diverse array of individuals, including innovators like Eli Whitney, advocates for social justice such as Prudence Crandall, and influential artists like Frederick Law Olmsted. Author Eric D. Lehman presents a compelling narrative that showcases how these individuals shaped not only their state but also the broader world, making it a rich tapestry of inspiration and influence.
The book delves into Connecticut's wine-making history, highlighting how colonists adapted to the local climate to cultivate various grape varieties like pinot gris and chardonnay. It showcases the unique qualities of wines produced in the region and introduces readers to local vintners and wine enthusiasts. Eric D. Lehman and Amy Nawrocki guide readers through the state's diverse vineyards and wineries, encouraging exploration of the local wine scene and the distinctive flavors it offers, all within easy reach.
Abandoned before birth by his father Rupert Plain, rookie FBI Agent Dominic Wood finally tracks him down at a small bookshop in Massachusetts. The first thing he learns is that his father loves the author Jack Kerouac. The second is that he claims to be a werewolf. Dominic begins an illegal investigation that will risk both his job and his sanity, as he follows Rupert’s three decade tale of homelessness and obsession. From the cliffs of Big Sur to Kerouac’s birthplace on Lupine Road, their dual quests explore the dark mysteries of the American psyche, and a generational divide comes to monstrous life. This gripping novel of fathers and sons will leave readers guessing up to the last page, and beyond.
A new look at the quintessential traitor On September 6, 1781, Connecticut native Benedict Arnold and a force of 1,700 British soldiers and loyalists took Fort Griswold and burnt New London to the ground. The brutality of the invasion galvanized the new nation, and "Remember New London!" would become a rallying cry for troops under General Lafayette. In Homegrown Terror, Eric D. Lehman chronicles the events leading up to the attack and highlights this key transformation in Arnold—the point where he went from betraying his comrades to massacring his neighbors and destroying their homes. This defining incident forever marked him as a symbol of evil, turning an antiheroic story about weakness of character and missed opportunity into one about the nature of treachery itself. Homegrown Terror draws upon a variety of perspectives, from the traitor himself to his former comrades like Jonathan Trumbull and Silas Deane, to the murdered Colonel Ledyard. Rethinking Benedict Arnold through the lens of this terrible episode, Lehman sheds light on the ethics of the dawning nation, and the way colonial America responded to betrayal and terror.
From the small-world accidents of finding lost toys and meeting old friends in strange places, to apparent twists of fate that lead to historical events, people continue to find meaning in coincidence. In Great Pan is Dead , author Eric D. Lehman investigates this phenomenon through the lens of his own mysterious stories and ponders how the puzzles of our lives fit together. From a frightening encounter in England’s Lake District to a moment of transcendence in the Sistine Chapel, this insightful memoir will make you see your world in a startling new way.