With great sadness, we note the untimely passing of Steven Hart, a native New Jersey writer and journalist of keen wit and sharp intellect. Steven’s meticulously researched book, The Last Three Miles, published in 2007, tells the tale of tangled ambitions and political intrigue surrounding the construction of the Pulaski Skyway, often called America’s First Superhighway. It reads like a thriller.
Hart’s 2012 book, American Dictators, published by Rutgers University Press, expands on that theme, examining the legacies of two of the most powerful New Jersey politicians of the early twenty century; Jersey City’s Frank Hague, and Atlantic City’s Enoch (Nucky) Johnson. Johnson is the inspiration for the character of Nucky Thompson, played by Steve Buscemi, on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.
Hart also published two fast-paced noir-inflected novels and, most recently, a book of biting essays, all under the banner of Black Angel Press, which published other NJ writers and poets as well. His unique voice will be missed by many.
Lisa, looks like you’ve started off with a great article–very fascinating. We hope to see you sometime soon, whether at one of the sponsored nature walks in the Meadowlands or during one of the many program events given in the NJMC building. By the way, we can see that your love for plants is reflected through the landscaped designs you have authored at DeKorte. We, too, are fascinated with the beauty of plants in all forms . . . as much as we enjoy the wonderful wildlife, actually.
The photo of you posted in Jim’s write-up appears to be somewhere in the Southwest. Is that assumption correct?
Anyhow, looking forward to the continued passion involved in the BLOG.
Regards,
Mickey & Elaine Raine
Thanks, Mickey and Elaine. I look forward to meeting you as well. You are right: that photo was taken in November 2013 at Point Dume State Park in Malibu, CA. Looks outdoorsy, doesn’t it?
Fine tribute for Steven Hart and a friend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for this and the linkage.
Lisa,
beautiful remembrance!
his generosity & genius changed my life &
lifted the literary boats of many in NJ & beyond:) He will be deeply missed…
best
john marron
Black Angel Press
author of “Blips”
While it’s true Africans were directly ivnloved in the spade trade, I seriously doubt that would have been the case had Europeans not had a demand for them.I barely passed Econ in college but I learned enough to know that without demand, supplies cease to exist.