1964 The Airman and the Carpenter: The Lindbergh Kidnapping and the Framing of Richard Hauptmann, by Ludovic Kennedy (read 5 Dec 1985) On July 9, 1962, I read Kidnap and was convinced Hauptmann was guilty. On Dec 4, 1976, I read Scapegoat and came to believe he was not guilty. I have now read this book and am thoroughly convinced Hauptmann was not only innocent but framed. In fact the book was depressing and saddening. When I read Kidnap I thought the attic board was proof positive. Now it seems ridiculous to think anyone could believe Hauptmann would take a board from his attic floor to build a ladder, when he could use wood much more easily from some other source. This book is well-written, although it is confessedly written to prove Hauptmann was framed. A better book would have been more objective, and have proved the same thing. The book is by an English writer who has written other crime books I'd like to read: 10 Rillington Place; A Presumption of Innocence; and Wicked Beyond Belief. [But I never have, yet.] ( )

Interesting book, though it didn't convince me of Hauptmann's innocence. Though the trial and the conduct of the prosecutors certainly left a lot to be desired, the question of how Hauptmann came to be in possession of the ransom money has never been properly addressed by those who like to proclaim his innocence. ( )

A compelling, very well written account of the sad fate of Richard Hauptmann, a German immigrant carpenter who was framed for the kidnapping and murder of the Lindberghs' baby son. A heartbreaking story, with a particularly interesting social and historical context which is expertly evoked. ( )