Counterfeit Man - Hardcover

McFarland, Gerald

  • 3.00 out of 5 stars
    15 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780394580098: Counterfeit Man
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0394580095 ISBN 13: 9780394580098
Publisher: Pantheon, 1990

Synopsis

This re-examination of the Boorn-Colvin murder case, featuring disappearances, scandal, and possible imposters in 1812 Vermont, offers new evidence and startling conclusions in a case that helped shape American legal history

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Reviews

A much-publicized murder case of the early 19th century involved the unexplained disappearance of none-too-bright Russell Colvin from Manchester, Vt., in 1812 after an argument with his brothers-in-law, Stephen and Jesse Boorn. In 1819 the Boorns were convicted of killing Colvin; Stephen was sentenced to death, Jesse to life imprisonment. Before they could serve their sentences, though, a mentally disturbed man claiming to be the "victim" was found in New Jersey; he satisfied Manchester residents that he was indeed Colvin, and said he had wandered off from home. The brothers-in-law were released, but doubt was later cast on the authenticity of "Colvin." McFarland, professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, who counts himself among the skeptics, superbly recreates the social milieu in which the curious "crime" occurred.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In 1812, after arguing with his brothers-in-law, Jess and Stephen Boorn, Vermont farmer Russell Colvin vanished. Seven years later, a barrage of ghostly sightings convinced the Manchester citizenry that Colvin had been murdered. The Boorns were tried and convicted of his murder--then Colvin showed up again, and they went free. But was it really Colvin, or an impostor? McFarland (history, Univ. of Massachusetts) has crafted a fascinating, painstakingly researched account of this mystery, delineating in exquisite detail the characters involved and bringing a historian's eye for social background to bear on the village itself. The result is a crime reader's delight, complete with trial, dramatic reprieve, and surprising aftermath. Intriguing, insightful, often humorous, this is highly recommended for most collections.
- Sally G. Waters, Stetson Law Lib., St. Petersburg, Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Pantheon
Publication date
1990
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0394580095
ISBN 13 
9780394580098
Binding
Hardcover
Edition number
1
Number of pages
242
Rating
  • 3.00 out of 5 stars
    15 ratings by Goodreads

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780870238376: The "Counterfeit" Man: The True Story of the Boorn-Colvin Murder Case

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  087023837X ISBN 13:  9780870238376
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press, 1993
Softcover