Deadly Times

Book excerpt: Between 1907 and 1911, the United States was hit by the longest period of sustained terrorism in its history. Of more than 200 bombings that were carried out during this period, the most shocking was the dynamiting of the Los Angeles Times building on the morning of October 1, 1910, which killed twenty-one people. Deadly Times tells the fascinating story of the bombing, the search to apprehend the bombers, the issues that polarized the nation, and the dramatic trials that ensued. The magnificent cast of characters includes: General Harrison Gray Otis, owner of the Los Angeles Times, whose proposal to de-unionize San Francisco and Los Angeles led to its being singled out as a bombing target. William J. Burns, who tracked down the bombers and would eventually become the first director of the FBI. Earl Rogers, the brilliant criminal attorney, drinking companion of Jack London, who became the model for Perry Mason. The legendary Clarence Darrow, who defended the bombers And the bombers themselves, the brothers J.J. and J.B. McNamara, who on their arrest became symbols of capitalist treachery to the working class.