Frances Karttunen's new book reveals some interesting uncovered facts about Old Nantucket. Take a look at the full story on Law and Disorder in Old Nantucket.
Historic Nantucket is known for the whaling era, widow’s walks, and its lively port 30 miles out to sea. Now you can add (GASP!) crime and disorder to that list.
It's true. Nantucket was a rowdy, rough and tough whaling town back in the day. From laws against alcohol consumption for Indians to Quakers being charged with a crime for getting vaccinated against smallpox and even some brutal murders, The Grey Lady had a pretty dark period according to Frances Karttunen's book Law and Disorder in Old Nantucket.
"I conceived it as a beach book for the historically-minded," said Kartunnen during her interview with Plum, "I read my way through all of these crimes and I said 'Gosh! Wild West? Nantucket was the Wild East!'"
Law & Disorder comes after Karttunen's first compilation of historic Nantucket research for The Other Islanders: People Who Pushed the Oars. Islanders highlighted the people who lived on Nantucket and contributed to the economy and way of life out here from an historical perspective. "When I was doing the research for The Other Islanders I spent quite a lot of time in the court office reading through court documents," said Karttunen.
This event comes as part of the Nantucket Atheneum's author series bringing talented writers to the island.
"We try to feature any other with a book about Nantucket," said Atheneum Program Director Nancy Tyrer, "We feature all different kinds of authors."
Karttunen's book developed not only through her findings during her first book's creation, but through a series of essays she published last summer. One additional part that was not published prior made it to the book.
For more information on the Nantucket Atheneum's Author Talks, take a look at the Atheneum website. To find out about more fun and exciting things to do on Nantucket, check out Plum's Events Calendar. Be sure to watch our video below as Kate Brosnan chats with Frances Karttunen about her book on This Week on Nantucket.
Video
Plum's Kate Brosnan sits down with author Frances Ruley Karttunen to talk about her newest book Law and Disorder in Old Nantucket. Learn more at the Nantucket Atheneum's free Author Talk Wednesday, Nov 14.
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