Read more
Ohio's capital city once teemed with crime bosses, rampant corruption and unpunished perversion. The Bad Lands of Columbus was a nationally recognized slum controlled by Smoky Hobbs. Columbus native Dr. Samuel B. Hartman, the world's most successful snake oil salesman, was almost single-handedly responsible for the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act. Local gambler Pat Murnan had an unlikely love affair with Grace Backenstoe, the madam of the most popular brothel in town. The two were a symbol of the area's salaciousness. Authors David Meyers and Elise Meyers Walker explore the heyday of Columbus's most notorious fiends, corrupt politicians and con men.
About the author
David Meyers is a supervisor at Columbus State Community College and is the author of numerous local histories, as well as two musical and other works for the stage. David received his BA from Miami University and his MBA from the Ohio State University. He was featured in an episode of the Discovery Canada/A&E series "Curious and Unusual Deaths." Elise Meyers Walker is an author and an administrator at the Ohio Board of Regents. She has co-authored six previous books with her father, David, and is frequently called upon to make presentations to various groups. Elise has appeared in an episode of the Discovery ID series "Tabloid." She received her BA from Hofstra University.
