Churchwell, Sarah Bartlett

The author traces the history of the phrases "American dream" and "America first" and what each represents in American history.

The autumn of 1922 found F. Scott Fitzgerald at the height of his fame in New York City. Meanwhile, a brutal double murder commanded the nation's attention. An unusual mix of criticism, biography, and true crime and a journey into the dark heart of Jazz Age America.

Examines the double murder known as the Hall-Mills murder, in 1922 New York, discussing the police investigation, court proceedings, and an array of celebrity-hungry suspects, and poses the possibility of its influence on F. Scott Fitzgerald while he was writing his novel "The Great Gatsby".

Discusses the myths that surround Marilyn Monroe, critically examining biographies of the actress as well as fiction by such authors as Joyce Carol Oates and exploring what these portrayals say about America's attitudes toward women, sex, and success.