IN A NUTSHELL
J. Dennis Robinson is a popular columnist, lecturer, and public historian.
He is the author of a dozen narrative history books on topics ranging from Jesse James, Lord Baltimore, and child labor exploitation to Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, Strawbery Banke Museum, Privateer Lynx, archaeology at the Isles of Shoals, and the infamous 1873 Smuttynose Island ax murders. His latest book is a colorful look at the 1878 landmark Music Hall performing arts center. He lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, just across the swirling Piscataqua River from Maine.
He is the author of a dozen narrative history books on topics ranging from Jesse James, Lord Baltimore, and child labor exploitation to Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, Strawbery Banke Museum, Privateer Lynx, archaeology at the Isles of Shoals, and the infamous 1873 Smuttynose Island ax murders. His latest book is a colorful look at the 1878 landmark Music Hall performing arts center. He lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, just across the swirling Piscataqua River from Maine.
Here's how it goes. I get an assignment or am possessed by a question. Then I climb down into a sort of "research bunker." I could be down there for a few hours or a few years. Right now I'm digging into the year 1623 when the first English family arrived in New Hampshire, a book on UFOs, and a history of New Castle island. There's a completed cozy mystery novel in a drawer and a zillion unanswered questions on my to-do list.
I've done this for a dozen books and (I'm guessing) over 2,500 published articles. I come up, now and then, for a gulp of air, then disappear.
It's what I do. I like it.
I've done this for a dozen books and (I'm guessing) over 2,500 published articles. I come up, now and then, for a gulp of air, then disappear.
It's what I do. I like it.