Pulitzer Prize Winner, Co-Author Discuss New Book on America’s Most Notorious Gangster

03/28/2013

Contacts: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu                                            

Wednesday, April 3
5:30 p.m.

What: The authors of a new biography of notorious reputed mobster James “Whitey” Bulger will discuss the book, which delves into an unprecedented level of detail of Bulger’s life and the 16-year manhunt for him.

“Whitey Bulger: America’s Most Wanted Gangster and the Manhunt That Brought Him to Justice” is the collaboration of Kevin Cullen, a Pulitzer Prize winner who has written for the Boston Globe since 1985, and Shelley Murphy, a George Polk Award winner who has reported for both the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald.

Both Cullen and Murphy have covered Bulger for years, including the hunt for him that spanned from 1994 to 2011 and the lead-up to his June trial on federal charges of racketeering and involvement in 19 murders. Their book is based in part on letters Bulger wrote to a longtime friend that discuss in depth his feelings about the crimes he is accused of committing and for Catherine Greig, who was sentenced to prison for harboring Bulger during his run from the law. The book also draws new connections between Bulger and violence surrounding the court-ordered busing of students from South Boston and involvement with the IRA.

Cullen, a graduate of UMass Amherst, and Murphy will sign copies of their book at the event.

The program, which is free and open to the public, is presented by UMass Lowell’s Department of English and Center for Arts and Ideas in partnership with the Boston Red Sox and Great Fenway Park Writers Series. 

Where: UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St., Lowell. Contact UMass Lowell media relations for directions and parking information.