About Books, June 6, 2009

Martha Sandweiss, professor of history at Princeton University, tells the story of a man who lead a double life in "Passing Strange: a Gilded Age Tale of Love and Deception Across the Color Line." Clarence King was a white 19th century geologist and writer who traveled in the highest circles in Washington D. C. and elsewhere but also lived as James Todd, Pullman porter and husband of Ada, an African American. The book uncovers his life.

Listen to the interview at http://www.wvik.org/listings-aboutbooks.htm