Title: Island of Vice: Theodore Roosevelt’s Doomed Quest to Clean up Sin-loving New York
Author: Richard Zacks
First published January 1, 2012
431 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385519724 (ISBN10: 0385519729)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
As the small village of Nalayani faces impending doom, a young girl seeks the help of the powerful Maharaja. Little does she know, her plea for aid will lead to a shocking discovery that could alter the Fables Universe forever.
The long-lost Prince Charming, thought to be dead, has returned. Follow the exciting journey of Nalayani and the Fairest as they collect their forces and prepare for the ultimate battle in Fairest, Volume 3: The Return of the Maharaja.
This collection includes issues 15-20 of the critically acclaimed series.
About the Author
Richard Zacks, an American author born in Savannah, Georgia, spent most of his childhood in New York City. He attended the University of Michigan where he majored in Classical Greek, and later learned Arabic in Cairo, Italian in Perugia, and French in the beautiful vineyards of France.
After completing his studies at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, Zacks wrote a syndicated column for four years that was carried by several major newspapers including the NY Daily News, Boston Globe, and Dallas Morning News. He now works out of a small office in Manhattan and resides in an old 1897 stucco house just outside of the city limits that was once used by bootleggers.
Editoral Review
Island of Vice is a fascinating non-fiction work by Richard Zacks about a little-known period in the life of former US President Theodore Roosevelt. The book explores Roosevelt’s time as police commissioner of New York City in the late 19th century when the city was notorious for its rampant corruption, vice, and debauchery.
Zacks, a seasoned journalist and historian, approaches the topic with a remarkable depth of research and a keen eye for detail. His writing style is engaging, witty, and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the history of New York City, criminology, social justice, or politics.
The plot of Island of Vice revolves around Roosevelt’s efforts to clean up the city’s notorious red-light district, eradicate gambling dens, and crack down on police brutality. Along the way, he faces fierce opposition from powerful politicians, corrupt police officers, and ruthless gangsters who stand to lose their illicit income if Roosevelt succeeds.
The book is full of colorful characters, including the larger-than-life Roosevelt himself, as well as notorious figures like Tammany Hall boss Richard Croker, madam Alice Vanderbilt, and reformer Jacob Riis. The setting of the Gilded Age is brought to life through vivid descriptions of the city’s architecture, culture, and social issues.
One of the greatest strengths of Zacks’ writing is his ability to draw connections between the past and present. Island of Vice reveals deep-seated issues of corruption, inequality, and power that still resonate in contemporary society.
The book sheds light on how political reformers like Roosevelt set the stage for modern law enforcement and civil liberties. Despite all its strengths, Island of Vice does have some limitations.
At times, the book can feel overly detailed or digressive, slowing down the pacing of the narrative. Additionally, Zacks tends to rely heavily on primary sources and quotes, making it challenging to follow his writing if one is not familiar with the figures or events at hand.
Overall, Island of Vice is a well-written, well-researched, and historically significant work that sheds light on a neglected period in American history. The book is highly recommended for readers interested in politics, criminology, New York City history, or social justice.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars.
