The Washington Historical Society is pleased to present a book talk and book signing for this wonderful book on at our building on the square. The “American Banker in Paris” is a wonderful new nonfiction book written by longtime Historical Society member Karl Taylor and his writing partner William Engelbrecht. “The American Banker in Paris” tells the story of Nelson Dean Jay, an unknown banker who lived in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. He was a friend of Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel and Gertrude Stein, and his bank was the only American bank to remain open in occupied Paris during the war. Dean Jay also was a member of the welcoming party for Charles Lindbergh when he made his first transatlantic flight but later suggested to Lindbergh that he consider his views carefully. Some of his contemporaries wondered if Jay was a spy; he likely was not, but everyone from presidents to popes to dictators sought his advice. Romance, intrigue, war – this story has it all!

Come join author William (Bill) Engelbrecht and actress Helen Engelbrecht on January 13^th for what will be a wonderfully informative and entertaining conversation about the life and times of Nelson Dean Jay.