Madison Square Tragedy

Overview

A graphic retelling of the murder that led to the original “trial of the century”

Nominee, Reuben Award for Best Graphic Novel

Bringing to life turn-of-the-century New York and the scintillating career of one of its most famous architects, as well as the vices that cost him his life, this true-crime graphic novel tells the story of one of the most scandalous murders of the times. Stanford White was one of New York’s most famous architects, having designed many mansions and the first Madison Square Garden; his influence on New York’s look at the turn of the century was pervasive. As he became popular and in demand, he also became quite self-indulgent: he had a taste for budding young showgirls on Broadway, even setting up a private apartment to entertain them in, including a room with a red velvet swing. When he met Evelyn Nesbit—an exquisite young nymph, cover girl, showgirl, inspiration for Charles Dana Gibson’s drawing The Eternal Question and later for the movie The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing—he knew he was on to something special. However, Evelyn eventually married a young Pittsburgh decadent heir with a dark side who developed a deep hatred for White and what he may or may not have done to her.

Reviews

“No season would be complete without the latest in Rick Geary’s ongoing series of 20th-century murders: with elegant, unsettling penwork, Madison Square Tragedy: The Murder of Stanford White tells the notorious story of architect Stanford White, who was murdered by a jealous husband in a theater atop the original Madison Square Garden. Expect his usual tongue-in-cheek tone.” —Publishers Weekly

"To be able to share Madison Square Tragedy, a shining example of the possibilities of the comic medium—with those who would not necessarily approach a comic book—is a triumph." —Jenny Randle, New York Journal of Books

Author Biography