Book

Cairns, Kathleen A., 1946-

The Enigma Woman : the death sentence of Nellie May Madison / Kathleen A. Cairns.

Lincoln : University of Nebraska Press, ©2007.

xi, 295 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm.

"In this intriguing cultural history, Kathleen A. Cairns tells the true tale of the first woman sentenced to death in California, Nellie May Madison. Her story offers a glimpse into law and disorder in 1930s Los Angeles while bringing to life a remarkable character whose plight reflects on the status of woman, the workings of the media and the judiciary system, and the stratification of society in her time. An intriguing cultural history, Cairns's re-creation of the case from murder to trial to aftermath casts an eye forward to our own love-hate affair with celebrity crimes and our abiding ambivalence about domestic violence abuse as a defense for murder"--Publisher website (November 2007).

Women in the west

Women in the West.

Madison, Nellie May, 1895-1953.

Women murderers -- California -- Biography.

Abused women -- California -- Biography.

Sex role -- United States -- History.

Biographies.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 249-288) and index.

A girl from Montana -- Midnight alibi -- Outlaw woman -- Enigma woman -- The ultimate penalty -- The people v. Nellie Madison -- The defense -- Lady Macbeth -- The verdict -- A condemned woman -- An abused woman -- The reprieve -- Life in prison -- A traditional woman.

Table of contents

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description

2006028848

9780803211414

0803211414

71322090

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193652

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364.1523 Cairns