February 1, 1989
The southern triangle of Illinois has been known as Egypt or Little Egypt since 1832, when northern Illinoisans journeyed there to buy corn after a difficult winter. In this riveting historical true-crime acount, we read about John Dale Cavaness, who grew up there and returned to practice medicine when he completed his training. With his second wife he had four sons and became one of the most beloved men in the area, often treating patients without charge. But at home he was tyrannical, beating his wife and eventually leaving her for his mistress, and criticizing his sons. University of Tulsa English professor O'Brien ( The Silver Spooner ) shows how this complex human being disintegrated, turning to drink and drugs and squandering his considerable income on chimerical schemes, until he killed two of his sons, presumably to collect the insurance. Convicted and sentenced to death, Cavaness committed suicide in prison. Literary Guild alternate.
January 30, 1990
In what PW called a ``riveting true-crime account,'' we read about John Dale Cavaness, a native son who practiced medicine in ``Little Egypt,'' the southern triangle of Illinois. For a time one of the most beloved men in the area, Cavaness led a secret life--he abused his family, squandered his considerable income on drink and drugs, and eventually killed two of his sons, presumably to collect the insurance. Photos.