Big Trouble (Lukas book)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Products | Books |
| Website | www |
Big Trouble: A Murder in a Small Western Town Sets Off a Struggle for the Soul of America is a 1997 factual work authored by J. Anthony Lukas and released by Simon & Schuster. The book examines the 1905 killing of Frank Steunenberg and the subsequent legal proceedings.
Background
Lukas conducted his investigation using an extensive collection of historical records. During the process of revising the manuscript, he died by suicide; acquaintances and his literary agent Amanda Urban revealed he battled depression and doubted the quality of his work, despite differing opinions.
Contents
Spanning roughly 875 pages, the volume delves into the role of private detective agencies such as the Pinkertons in their opposition to organized labor, alongside a detailed account of Steunenberg’s biography. The murder trial forms the focal point of the narrative, underpinned by thorough research and comprehensive detail.
Reception
The book was shortlisted for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for History and received acclaim for illuminating profound social class conflicts within American history. Nonetheless, certain reviewers regarded the evidence implicating William D. Haywood in the conclusion as "fragile." Critics acknowledged Lukas’ careful narrative craft but occasionally pointed out an overabundance of detail and some issues with narrative flow.