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“A sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news that follows the no-holds-barred battle between two legendary explorers to reach the North Pole, and the newspapers which stopped at nothing to get–and sell–the story. In the fall of 1909, a pair of bitter contests captured the world’s attention. The American explorers Robert Peary and Frederick Cook both claimed to have discovered the North Pole, sparking a vicious feud that was unprecedented in international scientific and geographic circles. At the same time, the rivalry between two powerful New York City newspapers–the storied Herald and the ascendant Times–fanned the flames of the so-called polar controversy, as each paper financially and reputationally committed itself to an opposing explorer and fought desperately to defend him. The Herald was owned and edited by James Gordon Bennett, Jr., an eccentric playboy whose nose for news was matched only by his appetite for debauchery and champagne. The Times was published by Adolph Ochs, son of Jewish immigrants, who’d improbably rescued the paper from extinction and turned it into an emerging powerhouse. The battle between Cook and Peary would have enormous consequences for both newspapers, and help to determine the future of corporate media. Battle of Ink and Ice presents a frank portrayal of Arctic explorers, brave men who both inspired and divided the public. It also sketches a vivid portrait of the newspapers that funded, promoted, narrated, and often distorted their exploits. It recounts a sixty-year saga of frostbite and fake news, one that culminates with an unjustly overlooked chapter in the origin story of the modern New York Times. By turns tragic and absurd, Battle of Ink and Ice brims with contemporary relevance, touching as it does on themes of class, celebrity, the ever-quickening news cycle, and the benefits and pitfalls of an increasingly interconnected world. Above all, perhaps, its cast of characters testifies–colorfully and compellingly–to the ongoing role of personality and publicity in American cultural life as the Gilded Age gave way to the twentieth century–the American century”–
Thomas Taylor Obituary
Thomas William Taylor, Sr.
Tom Taylor, a 45 year resident of Darien, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024. Tom was born to Alva and Mary Taylor in Coshocton, OH, and earned a BA from Duke University, and JD from University of Michigan Law School.
After graduation, he lived in Cleveland, where he met his wife-to-be, Janet Hausser. They moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 1974 and to Darien in 1979 with their two children, Thomas W., Jr. of Oak Park, IL (Jody Evenson) and Kathleen T. Nash of Fairfield.
He was employed for nearly 40 years by the Comptroller of the Currency, a bank regulatory agency of the United States Treasury Department. During his tenure he represented the agency as its member on the National Commission on Electronic Funds Transfers and established the first formal consumer protection office.
Upon retirement he became a volunteer at Person to Person, a member of the Darien Men’s association, and as Treasurer and Board member of the Darien Community Association. He was an active member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church and served as an elder and deacon, as well as a longtime member of the finance committee. He was also active in the Presbytery of Southern New England for many years in several capacities, including Treasurer, and as a member of the Committee on Ministry, Nominations, Trustees, and Council.
Despite his faith, he suffered as a devoted Cleveland Indians and Browns fan.
He is survived by four grandchildren, Betsy, Gavin, and Daphne Nash, and Sam Taylor, by his brother Richard A. Taylor of Coshocton (Judy Taylor), sister Elizabeth Reid of Columbia, MO (Robert Reid), sister-in-law Jeanne Lipps of San Marino, CA, and by two nieces and four nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Janet, and his brother, Joseph F. Taylor.
A memorial service will be held later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Noroton Presbyterian Church: https://www.noroton.church/give-online/
Tom Taylor, a 45 year resident of Darien, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024. Tom was born to Alva and Mary Taylor in Coshocton, OH, and earned a BA from Duke University, and JD from University of Michigan Law School.
After graduation, he lived in Cleveland, where he met his wife-to-be, Janet Hausser. They moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 1974 and to Darien in 1979 with their two children, Thomas W., Jr. of Oak Park, IL (Jody Evenson) and Kathleen T. Nash of Fairfield.
He was employed for nearly 40 years by the Comptroller of the Currency, a bank regulatory agency of the United States Treasury Department. During his tenure he represented the agency as its member on the National Commission on Electronic Funds Transfers and established the first formal consumer protection office.
Upon retirement he became a volunteer at Person to Person, a member of the Darien Men’s association, and as Treasurer and Board member of the Darien Community Association. He was an active member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church and served as an elder and deacon, as well as a longtime member of the finance committee. He was also active in the Presbytery of Southern New England for many years in several capacities, including Treasurer, and as a member of the Committee on Ministry, Nominations, Trustees, and Council.
Despite his faith, he suffered as a devoted Cleveland Indians and Browns fan.
He is survived by four grandchildren, Betsy, Gavin, and Daphne Nash, and Sam Taylor, by his brother Richard A. Taylor of Coshocton (Judy Taylor), sister Elizabeth Reid of Columbia, MO (Robert Reid), sister-in-law Jeanne Lipps of San Marino, CA, and by two nieces and four nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Janet, and his brother, Joseph F. Taylor.
A memorial service will be held later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Noroton Presbyterian Church: https://www.noroton.church/give-online/
Robert Hopkins Obituary
Robert W Hopkins
Robert Woodhull Hopkins, 95, passed away Saturday, April 6th, at Stamford Hospital. He was husband to Joan Dreher Hopkins, the son of Robert Carl and Eleanor Adams Hopkins and little brother of Sylvia Hopkins Siegler. He was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.
Bob was born in Orange, New Jersey, on February 9, 1929. The family would move to Connecticut a few years later, and Bob would become a proud lifelong resident of Darien, CT.
He attended Kimball Union Academy, the class of 1947, in Meriden, New Hampshire, where he excelled academically and athletically, twice serving as class president. From KUA, Bob went on to Dartmouth, following in the footsteps of his uncles Ernest (who went on to be the 11th president of Dartmouth), Louis and his father, Robert. At Dartmouth Bob continued to excel, majoring in Economics, and playing baseball, hockey, and varsity soccer.
Dartmouth, and Hanover, would be a treasured community in Bob’s life for many years to come, marked by many reunion trips and close bonds with his fellow ’51 classmates.
After graduating from Dartmouth, Bob married Joan Dreher Hopkins, daughter of Monroe Franklin Dreher and Elizabeth Stirling Dreher, also of Darien, on April 11, 1953. They had met 8 years prior, in Darien, at a Cinderella Dance.
Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 as a Naval Cadet, enrolling in the flight training program in Pensacola, Florida. He was commissioned as an Ensign. He flew propeller Corsairs, then jet Banshees, serving as a Lieutenant from 1953-1955 during the Korean War on the aircraft carrier, the Valley Forge.
However active his life may have been, Bob’s true love and dedication was to his wife, Joan, and his three daughters, Christina, Elizabeth and Susan. Three generations of Hopkins family were deeply fortunate to spend decades together, in Darien and in Delray Beach, Florida. In recent years, Bob had greeted two great-granddaughters, both of whom will cherish early memories and photographs with ‘Great Grandad.’
As a passionate golfer, he was a member of Woodway Country Club, in Darien where he served as President, and the St. Andrews Club, Delray Beach, Florida. He was an active member of the Connecticut State Golf Association, serving as president from 1995-1996. In his later years, and up until not that long ago, he was a Course Rater, rating and playing almost every golf course in the state.
He was deeply loved and will be forever missed. The funeral services will be private and held at a future date. Memorial remembrances may be made to Kimball Union Academy at Kimball Union Academy, 7 Campus Center Drive, Meriden, NH. 03770.
Robert Woodhull Hopkins, 95, passed away Saturday, April 6th, at Stamford Hospital. He was husband to Joan Dreher Hopkins, the son of Robert Carl and Eleanor Adams Hopkins and little brother of Sylvia Hopkins Siegler. He was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.
Bob was born in Orange, New Jersey, on February 9, 1929. The family would move to Connecticut a few years later, and Bob would become a proud lifelong resident of Darien, CT.
He attended Kimball Union Academy, the class of 1947, in Meriden, New Hampshire, where he excelled academically and athletically, twice serving as class president. From KUA, Bob went on to Dartmouth, following in the footsteps of his uncles Ernest (who went on to be the 11th president of Dartmouth), Louis and his father, Robert. At Dartmouth Bob continued to excel, majoring in Economics, and playing baseball, hockey, and varsity soccer.
Dartmouth, and Hanover, would be a treasured community in Bob’s life for many years to come, marked by many reunion trips and close bonds with his fellow ’51 classmates.
After graduating from Dartmouth, Bob married Joan Dreher Hopkins, daughter of Monroe Franklin Dreher and Elizabeth Stirling Dreher, also of Darien, on April 11, 1953. They had met 8 years prior, in Darien, at a Cinderella Dance.
Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1951 as a Naval Cadet, enrolling in the flight training program in Pensacola, Florida. He was commissioned as an Ensign. He flew propeller Corsairs, then jet Banshees, serving as a Lieutenant from 1953-1955 during the Korean War on the aircraft carrier, the Valley Forge.
However active his life may have been, Bob’s true love and dedication was to his wife, Joan, and his three daughters, Christina, Elizabeth and Susan. Three generations of Hopkins family were deeply fortunate to spend decades together, in Darien and in Delray Beach, Florida. In recent years, Bob had greeted two great-granddaughters, both of whom will cherish early memories and photographs with ‘Great Grandad.’
As a passionate golfer, he was a member of Woodway Country Club, in Darien where he served as President, and the St. Andrews Club, Delray Beach, Florida. He was an active member of the Connecticut State Golf Association, serving as president from 1995-1996. In his later years, and up until not that long ago, he was a Course Rater, rating and playing almost every golf course in the state.
He was deeply loved and will be forever missed. The funeral services will be private and held at a future date. Memorial remembrances may be made to Kimball Union Academy at Kimball Union Academy, 7 Campus Center Drive, Meriden, NH. 03770.
Note from his son Mark:
My father must have belonged to your group for upwards of 20 years. He always enjoyed the speakers. He participated in your tennis group for many years up to the age of 86 or so. After that, he became an active member of your bridge group, which provided many hours of entertainment in his last decade. You provide a great service to the community, and my father was quite fortunate to have been able to be a part of it.
William’s Obituary
Bill was born September 30, 1931 in Washington D.C., son of the late Forrest Close and Margaret Wood Holmes. He attended Summit High School, in New Jersey and Princeton University, Class of 1953 where he was awarded a NROTC scholarship. In his senior year he was made the Midshipman Cadet Commander. After he was commissioned as an Ensign in 1953 he was stationed for three years on the fleet destroyer, USS Warrington (DD 843). Near the completion of active duty he was promoted to Lieutenant JG.
Following Princeton he attended Harvard Business School graduating with a MBA in
1958. His business career spanned 32 years as a broker on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
From a young age Bill enjoyed sailing at Sachem’s Head Yacht Club in Guilford, CT. He raced in nine Newport to Bermuda Races, winning the race in 1962, cruised with many clubs, and sailed transatlantic in 1984. He was currently a member of the Sachem’s Head Yacht Club, the Cruising Club of America and the Storm Trysail Club.
In 1991 he married Stephanie Illes and happily acquired two step children, Brian Ladewig (wife, Nicole) of New Canaan, CT and Kim Risley (husband, Dane, step grandchildren, Michael, Lauren, Kate) of Fairfield, CT. Following his retirement in 1994 Bill and Stephanie enjoyed traveling, hiking and cruising around the world with family and friends.
Bill won his battle with alcoholism for fifty years with the good graces of Alcoholics Anonymous during which time he helped so many on their path to sobriety.
Bill is survived by his wife, Stephanie of 32 years, and by his four children from two previous marriages and nine grandchildren: Forrest Close of Wilton, CT and his wife Nicole( Madelyn, Gaelen), George Close of Rowayton, CT and his wife Mallory (Brynley, Bennett, Forrest, Kyle), Carolyn Garth of Newport, RI (Cally, Penelope) and William Close (Phoenix) of Los Angeles, CA and Bill’s sister, Mardee Moore of Madison, CT.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25th at 1:00 the United Church of Rowayton.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Church of Rowayton, 210 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853.
WILLIAM FRANK Obituary
FRANK–William Patrick. William Patrick Frank, age 83, died at home in Darien, CT, survived by his beloved wife Marilyn Mainelli Frank, children Chris (Tricia) Frank, Caroline (Ricky) Lapidus, Bill (Lauren) Frank, and Susannah (Scott) Bullard, and 12 grandchildren. Born in the Bronx, son of Otto and Mary Brennan Frank, he was predeceased by his brothers Gerard and Paul. He attended All Hallows, Fordham Preparatory School, Georgetown University and Fordham Law School. Bill served as a military intelligence Captain in the US Army in Vietnam during the Tet offensive and earned recognition including Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Joint Service Commendation Medals. He was the 23rd associate to join the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom where he served for over fifty years, including as Litigation Practice Leader and New York Office Leader. Bill served on professional and philanthropic boards, and received awards, too numerous to fully list. He was a founding member of the Wall Street Alliance and Scholarship Fund, and served on the boards of the Practicing Law Institute, USO, Georgetown University, Fordham Law, the Gregorian University (Rome) Foundation, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, the American Ireland Fund, the Cardinal’s Committee for Charity of the Archdiocese of New York, Catholic Charities and as a Knight of Malta on the Order’s Legal Committee. He is the recipient of the Catholic Charities Deus Caritas Est Award, the Georgetown John Carroll Award and the Fordham Law School Alumni Medal of Achievement. He was a warrior-scholar, humanitarian, voracious reader, and family photographer who travelled the world to experience history, culture, skiing, golf, wine, and good company. His greatest accomplishments were as a wonderful husband and fiercely devoted father and grandfather. His was a full, happy, and generous life. Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Friday September 20, 2024, St. Thomas More Church, Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers please donate to Catholic Charities of New York.
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A powerful memoir from Katalin Karikó, winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, whose decades-long research led to the COVID-19 vaccines
“Katalin Karikó’s story is an inspiration.”—Bill Gates
“Riveting . . . a true story of a brilliant biochemist who never gave up or gave in.”—Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Katalin Karikó has had an unlikely journey. The daughter of a butcher in postwar communist Hungary, Karikó grew up in an adobe home that lacked running water, and her family grew their own vegetables. She saw the wonders of nature all around her and was determined to become a scientist. That determination eventually brought her to the United States, where she arrived as a postdoctoral fellow in 1985 with $1,200 sewn into her toddler’s teddy bear and a dream to remake medicine.
Karikó worked in obscurity, battled cockroaches in a windowless lab, and faced outright derision and even deportation threats from her bosses and colleagues. She balked as prestigious research institutions increasingly conflated science and money. Despite setbacks, she never wavered in her belief that an ephemeral and underappreciated molecule called messenger RNA could change the world. Karikó believed that someday mRNA would transform ordinary cells into tiny factories capable of producing their own medicines on demand. She sacrificed nearly everything for this dream, but the obstacles she faced only motivated her, and eventually she succeeded.
Karikó’s three-decade-long investigation into mRNA would lead to a staggering achievement: vaccines that protected millions of people from the most dire consequences of COVID-19. These vaccines are just the beginning of mRNA’s potential. Today, the medical community eagerly awaits more mRNA vaccines—for the flu, HIV, and other emerging infectious diseases.
Breaking Through isn’t just the story of an extraordinary woman. It’s an indictment of closed-minded thinking and a testament to one woman’s commitment to laboring intensely in obscurity—knowing she might never be recognized in a culture that is driven by prestige, power, and privilege—because she believed her work would save lives.
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
“A knockout collection. … Sharp-edged satire deceptively wrapped like a box of Neuhaus chocolates, Table for Two is a winner.” —The New York Times
“Superb … This may be Towles’ best book yet. Each tale is as satisfying as a master chef’s main course, filled with drama, wit, erudition and, most of all, heart.” —Los Angeles Times
Millions of Amor Towles fans are in for a treat as he shares some of his shorter fiction: six stories based in New York City and a novella set in Golden Age Hollywood.
The New York stories, most of which take place around the year 2000, consider the fateful consequences that can spring from brief encounters and the delicate mechanics of compromise that operate at the heart of modern marriages.
In Towles’s novel Rules of Civility, the indomitable Evelyn Ross leaves New York City in September 1938 with the intention of returning home to Indiana. But as her train pulls into Chicago, where her parents are waiting, she instead extends her ticket to Los Angeles. Told from seven points of view, “Eve in Hollywood” describes how Eve crafts a new future for herself—and others—in a noirish tale that takes us through the movie sets, bungalows, and dive bars of Los Angeles.
Written with his signature wit, humor, and sophistication, Table for Two is another glittering addition to Towles’s canon of stylish and transporting fiction.