Charles Samuels (1902–1982)

469, The Girl in the House of Hate, by Charles and Louise Samuels (read 4 Jan 1955 - re-read 11 Aug 1962) Tells the story of Lizzie Borden's trial for the murder of her father and stepmother. It is good because it puts all the story together in 144 pages. .But it could have been so much better if it had been expanded and "scholarized." A psychoanalyst should have collaborated with a criminologist to write the story. Also, the legal points of the trial are sloughed over with inadequate and non-understanding treatment. Yet, despite the fact that so much better a job could have been done, the story, as much as is here, is intriguing. On 4 Aug 1892 Mr. and Mrs. Borden were killed. The only person in the house was the Irish servant on the third floor--and the murderer. Lizzie said she was in the barn, and while her story is fantastic, the fact remains no blood was ever found on her--and both victims were axed frightfully. The authors treat Lizzie as obviously guilty, yet offer no explanation of her bloodlessness. The murder took place at 92 (now 230) Second St., Fall River, Mass. Lizzie lived there till she died 1 June 1927. It is a most fascinating murder, and I wonder if other books about it do a more scientific job on an explanation. But this book is a good little beginner on the case. ( I first read this book on Jan 4 1955 and wrote the above right after I finished reading the book.)… (meer)