How the roar of the '20s died down

The Jazz Age may have ended in 1929, according to F. Scott Fitzgerald, who called it an age of miracles, an age of art, an age of excess — one that once people lost confidence, “it didn’t take long for the flimsy structure to settle earthward.” However, according to social historian Michael Wolraich, there was more going on during that era than a loss of confidence. Wolraich’s latest social history, The Bishop and the Butterfly: Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age, describes the period in extensive detail.

The Bishop and the Butterfly: Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age; By Michael Wolraich; Union Square & Co.; 352 pp., $28.99.

First, there was Prohibition, 1920 to 1933, which did not stop people from drinking. Rather, it motivated them to find illegal ways to partake. Then, and relatedly, there was crime: gin-filled bathtubs, bootleggers, speakeasies, and prostitutes. Above all, there was money, which passed from the lawbreakers to the corrupt police and politicians. Without money, one couldn’t have had the booze, sex, dancing, glamor, youth culture, or dreams.

Wolraich is the author of two earlier books, including the well-received Unreasonable Men, which focuses on the clash between President Theodore Roosevelt and House Speaker Joseph Cannon, depicting one representing conservatism and the other progressivism.

In this new book, Wolraich focuses on New York politics and corruption partly as seen through Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose career and presidential hopes were inspired by his cousin, Theodore Roosevelt. In both books, Wolraich portrays Teddy and FDR during pivotal moments in their lives. Teddy, a Republican, needed to make peace with somewhat radical elements of his party. FDR, a Democrat, needed to clean up New York. Both books show how the two presidents succeeded.

Wolraich looks at New York City beginning with the late 19th century but focuses mainly on about two years, from 1929 to 1931, when Wall Street crashed, the Great Depression (1929-1939) took hold, and Vivian Gordon was murdered.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account