author
Francis Russell
1910–1989
An American historian and journalist who had a gift for turning major episodes in U.S. history into vivid, readable narratives. He is especially remembered for books on Warren G. Harding and the Sacco-Vanzetti case, written with a reporter’s eye for drama and detail.
1 Audiobook
Tragedy in Dedham : The story of the Sacco-Venzetti case
by Francis Russell
About the author
Born in Boston on January 12, 1910, he went on to study at Bowdoin College and later earned a master's degree from Harvard. His career centered on American history and historical figures, and he became known for writing books that brought political scandals, public controversies, and national turning points to life for general readers.
During World War II, he served in the Canadian Army, reportedly with the Black Watch. In later years he contributed to publications including American Heritage and wrote across a wide range of subjects, from presidential history to crime, war, and art.
He is best known for The Shadow of Blooming Grove, about Warren G. Harding, and for Tragedy in Dedham, his account of the Sacco-Vanzetti case, which won an Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America. He died in Falmouth, Massachusetts, on March 20, 1989.