Pillars of Salt, Monuments of Grace: New England Crime Literature and the Origins of American Popular Culture, 1674-1860

Focusing on the evolution of crime literature from the colonial era to the mid-nineteenth century, this study reveals a cultural transformation marked by the decline of Puritan authority and the rise of a diverse literary marketplace. Through an analysis of crime narratives and high-profile murder cases, it uncovers the interplay between law and literature, challenging the notion of their separation. Utilizing unpublished court records and various literary sources, it provides insights into American society's changing attitudes towards crime, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers.