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A Diet of Books & Art

For the next several months, I’ll be spending a large amount of my leisure time at the New York Public Library. Why? I’m diving deep into a topic which I hope to shape into my next book.

Guests, Charles Greene Bush, Princeton

Washington Irving & The Legend of Jersey City

On October 25, 2018, I participated in a Halloween event at the Apple Tree House in Jersey City, New Jersey. The program was entitled “Washington Irving & The Legend of Jersey City.” The Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs and the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy served as hosts, and the New Jersey Council for the…

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Autumn Intermission

Due to looming deadlines and two public events scheduled for next week, I’ll be taking a short sabbatical from my blog. I aim to return before October’s end.

(Courtesy of New York Public Library)

Christopher Columbus & Washington Irving

The current historic interpretation and understanding of Christopher Columbus stands as complicated. To put it mildly. Controversy aside, Christopher Columbus figured prominently in the formation of a uniquely American cultural identity. This seems to be forgotten today amid our debates over identity politics and historical grievances. Proof: Washington Irving, the writer with whom I’ve been…

Halloween is Coming! An October Event

Recently, I’ve hinted at researching Washington Irving for a hitherto unnamed event. Now, it’s official!

Tales of Our Cities: Jersey City’s Book Festival

Every September, the Jersey City Free Public Library organizes an annual book festival in downtown Jersey City. The event showcases local authors and promises something for readers of all ages. This past Sunday marked the 10th Annual Tales of Our Cities. While researching my book, I relied heavily on the treasures in the New Jersey…

John Wesley Jarvis, "Portrait of Washington Irving, 1809. (Courtesy of the New York Public Library)

Washington Irving: An Autumn Rendezvous

During the past several weeks, I have been spending an usual amount of time researching and contemplating the first American writer to stand on the international stage–Washington Irving, who penned such beloved classics as “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

(Courtesy of Perfume Professor)

Wow! I’m an Award-Winning Author

The past year has been a series of dreams come true. My first book, Left Bank of the Hudson, was published in October 2017. Next, I embarked upon a multi-city book tour. On May 31, 2018, my book earned the J. Owen Grundy History Award from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. Yes, I’m now an…

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The J. Owen Grundy History Award: My Book’s First Honor

On Thursday, May 31, 2018, the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy will be awarding Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street (Fordham University Press) with the 2018 J. Owen Grundy History Award at the organization’s 18th Annual Preservation Awards.

Murder at Matera

Murder in Matera: A Short (and Late) Reflection

In early March, I attended a reading by Helene Stapinski at WORD in Jersey City, New Jersey. Due to the (correctly) predicted blizzard, I briefly considered heading straight home after work. I was glad that I didn’t.