Craig A. Leisy - On Trial for Blasphemy: The State of New Jersey v. Charles B. Reynolds

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Nonfiction

Transportation Network Companies and Taxis: The Case of Seattle

An economic history of the competing Seattle taxicab and Transportation Network Company (e.g., Uber, Lyft) industries including an analysis of the impact of market disruption by the TNC industry on the taxicab industry.

Nonfiction/Religion/Philosophy

The Influence of Epicurean Thought on the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

This book explores the evidence that the Persian poet Omar Khayyam (1048-1123 CE), and other poets in the medieval Islamic world, were influenced by the freethinkers in ancient Greece, the source of the conflict between science and religion.

The Origins of the Conflict between Science and Religion in Ancient Greece

The modern conflict between science and religion had its origins in ancient Greece. Science irrevocably changed the way man thought about himself and his world. With each new discovery, the power of the gods was diminished and the stature of man was elevated.

Fiction

On Trial for Blasphemy: The State of New Jersey v. Charles B. Reynolds

A historical play, based upon true events, about the blasphemy trial of ex-minister Charles B. Reynolds in Morristown, New Jersey during May 19-20, 1887. The narrator and central character was created as Gertie Morrison, a reporter for The New York Times. Her character was inspired by the famed reporter Nellie Bly at the New York World.

Nonfiction/History/Biography/Religion

The Blasphemy Trial of Charles B. Reynolds: Morristown, New Jersey, May 19-20, 1887

An ex-minister named Charles B. Reynolds was put on trial in 1887 by the State of New Jersey for violating the colonial-era blasphemy law by ridiculing the Christian god and the Bible in a pamphlet he wrote and distributed. His famed attorney, Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll, argued that Reynolds engaged in free speech protected under the U. S. Constitution.

Nonfiction/Biography/History

Sergeant Phillip McHugh, U.S. Cavalry: Indian Fighter

A biography of Sergeant Phillip McHugh who immigrated from Donegal, Ireland in 1839 then worked briefly in a Pennsylvania coal mine before enlisting in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry regiment to fight Comanches in Texas. There, he fought indians in hand-to-hand combat and was wounded twice. Later, he fought in and survived the Battle of the Little Big Horn River in 1876 between the 7th Cavalry and about 2,500 Cheyenne and Sioux warriors.

Poetry Collection/Literary Essays

rain's only wet if you're in it

This collection of poetry spans 50 years and includes experiments with many styles and subjects. The collection features whimsical verse as well as serious poems. Opposite each poem is commentary about the poem providing background. Following the poetry, there are three literary essays regarding the author's favorite poems.

On Trial for Blasphemy: The State of New Jersey v. Charles B. Reynolds

Act I
Outside courthouse: before trial
Scene I
Reporter introduces herself and previews trial

A young woman is leaning against a tree some distance from the courthouse smoking a cigarette. She has long red hair loosely pushed up on top of her head. She is wearing a blue skirt with a white blouse buttoned at the neck and boots to make her appear taller. She is watching the townspeople arrive early to get seats inside. It is a hot day with no breeze and the women have brought fans to stir the air in the stuffy confines of the courthouse. The Morris County courthouse is a two-story brick building built in 1827.

Reporter [to audience]: Hello, my name is Gertrude Morrison. You can call me Gertie. I'm a reporter for The New York Times. I'm in Morristown, New Jersey, about thirty miles from Gotham - that's New York City for you country fold [smiles]. Some people think that I can be too opinionated just because I know my mind. Well, I'm not - that's my opinion [smirks]. It's Thursday, May 19, 1887. Then trial begins at 11:00 a.m. today in the Court of Common Pleas for Morris County. I've been a reporter at the Times almost three years now. it hasn't always been easy working in a man's world. My editor felt even an opinionated female reporter could handle this assignment [sarcastic]. It's ironic, because as a woman, I can't even serve on the jury for this trial. Now, that sounds like a lot of humbug to me! [she pulls a flask from her handbag but quickly puts it back] Too bad there's no time to sneak a sip of apple brandy to get me through this silly trial. The trial begins in five minutes. It's already hot and it promises to be very stuffy in the crowded courtroom -especially since I had to get all slicked up. I'll allow that I may not be a perfect lady in all respects but you can't act like a proper lady in this job or you'll be assigned to the society pages reporting on women's fashions and matrimonial vows. If you want to be successful in a man's world you have to act like a man. Well, I better get some interviews done right off the reel so I have something to send my editor this afternoon.