Subject
Criminals -- Biography Books
Best books
Alexandre Dumas
Celebrated Crimes (Complete)
"Celebrated Crimes (Complete)" by Alexandre Dumas is a historical account written during the early 19th century. This collection presents a series of narratives centered around infamous historical crimes, intertwining facts with dramatic storytelling. Dumas selects notorious figures and events, such as the Borgia family, to explore themes of power, ambition, and moral ambiguity. At the start of this work, we encounter the prologue discussing the dying moments of Lorenzo de' Medici and his spiritual confrontation with the Dominican friar Savonarola, who challenges Lorenzo to consider his sins and the state of Florence. This opening sets the tone for the subsequent exploration of notorious characters and their crimes, as Dumas provides both historical context and moral insight, emphasizing the interplay between personal ambition and the greater political landscape. The introduction signals the depth and complexity of the narratives to follow, inviting readers to delve into the violent and intricate histories that shaped Europe.
Austin Bidwell
Bidwell's Travels, from Wall Street to London Prison: Fifteen Years in Solitude
"Bidwell's Travels, from Wall Street to London Prison: Fifteen Years in Solitude" by George Bidwell is an autobiographical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows Bidwell's tumultuous journey from a naïve youth in Brooklyn to a life of crime in Wall Street, ultimately leading to a life sentence in a London prison for grand larceny. The book explores themes of moral failed opportunities and the consequences of one's choices, set against the backdrop of the rapidly changing American society. The opening of the autobiography paints a vivid picture of Bidwell's early life, detailing his inadequate education and sheltered upbringing. He reflects on the lack of preparation he received for the harsh realities of life, leading to his eventual plunge into the world of crime and speculation. With his father's encouraging words and mother's devout nature, Bidwell's path seems set for success, yet his ignorance and impulsivity ultimately place him in the morally ambiguous realm of Wall Street, where the allure of wealth overshadows ethical considerations. As he embarks on his exploits, it becomes apparent that he is ill-equipped to navigate the treacherous waters of crime and deceit, foreshadowing the turmoil that will follow.
H. B. (Henry Brodribb) Irving
A Book of Remarkable Criminals
"A Book of Remarkable Criminals" by H. B. Irving is a historical account written during the late 19th century that delves into the lives of notorious criminals. The book examines the complexities of criminal behavior, highlighting figures such as Charles Peace, Robert Butler, and others from English history, focusing on their motivations and the circumstances that led them to commit crimes. The opening of the work introduces readers to the intriguing theme of human passion's connection to crime, discussing the dual nature of individuals who embody both good and evil. Irving reflects upon the historical context and societal perceptions of crime, asserting that these notorious figures often act as mirrors to the darker aspects of humanity. He begins to profile Charles Peace, considered a quintessential figure among 19th-century criminals, whose compelling life story is set against a backdrop of personal ambition and the unfortunate consequences of his choices, hinting at deeper themes of passion, morality, and societal judgment that will likely unfold throughout the narrative.
Victor MacClure
She Stands Accused
"She Stands Accused" by Victor MacClure is a historical account written in the early 20th century that delves into the lives and crimes of notorious women throughout history, focusing particularly on murderesses and other female criminals. The book aims to explore the complex nature of female criminality, shedding light on cases from various periods and examining their societal implications. Central to the narrative are female figures like Jean Livingstone, the Lady Warriston, who is introduced in the opening chapters as a beautiful yet tragic character accused of murdering her husband. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of crime and the perception of women throughout history, beginning with a deep dive into the circumstances surrounding Jean Livingstone’s arrest for murdering her husband, John Kincaid. The chapter describes the gossip and clamor among the citizens of Edinburgh upon her capture, hinting at the societal fascination with crime, especially when a woman is involved. We learn that the crime was committed with premeditated intent involving another character, Robert Weir, who acted on behalf of Jean. The narrative captures the drama of her trial and execution, foreshadowing the exploration of both the historical and psychological dimensions of women who stand accused of heinous acts, establishing a tone that promises a blend of narrative engagement and critical reflection on femininity in the criminal sphere.
Charles Whibley
A Book of Scoundrels
"A Book of Scoundrels" by Charles Whibley is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the exploits of notorious figures from England's past, focusing on their daring exploits in thievery and crime, highlighting individuals such as the famed Captain Hind and Moll Cutpurse. Whibley presents these figures not merely as criminals, but as colorful characters who embody a complex perspective on honor, artistry, and society's moral codes. At the start of the book, the introduction sets a tone of admiration for the "scoundrels" who, through their cunning and artistry, disrupted the social order, interweaving their tales with historical context. Whibley reflects on the evolution of theft and crime, emphasizing how society and circumstances shaped the lives and careers of figures like Captain Hind, a master highwayman, and Moll Cutpurse, a notorious female thief. The opening portion showcases Whibley’s rich prose and philosophical musings on the nature of crime and the societal dynamics surrounding these figures, preparing the reader for an engaging exploration of the intersection between vice and virtue in a bygone era.
George M. (George Miles) White
From Boniface to Bank Burglar; Or, The Price of Persecution How a Successful Business Man, Through the Miscarriage of Justice, Became a Notorious Bank Looter
"From Boniface to Bank Burglar; Or, The Price of Persecution" by George M. White is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around George White, a successful businessman who, through a miscarriage of justice, becomes entangled in a notorious bank burglary, leading him to experience the dark side of the legal system and societal betrayal. The story is framed around White's reflections as he recounts his life from prosperous hotel owner to accused felon, illustrating the perils of wrongful accusation and its toll on one's life and reputation. At the start of the book, George M. White begins by introducing his life’s story during a time when he faced imprisonment for crimes he did not commit. In the opening chapter, he returns to his hotel after a brief absence, unaware that he is about to be swept into a series of unfortunate events involving a deputy marshal and his dubious associates. White's initial days are marked by his contentment in the hotel business, which rapidly descends into turmoil after being arrested based on circumstantial evidence linking him to a significant bank robbery. The narrative elaborates on his deepening sense of injustice as he portrays the legal battles he faces, emphasizing themes of persecution and the psychological anguish that accompanies being wrongfully accused.
Sophie Lyons
Why crime does not pay
"Why Crime Does Not Pay" by Mrs. Sophie Van Elkan Lyons Burke is a memoir detailing the author's life of crime, written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the experiences of Sophie Lyons, a notorious criminal known as the "Queen of the Underworld," who began her life of theft at a young age, strictly trained by her criminal stepmother. It explores the consequences of her actions and underscores the central theme that crime ultimately leads to suffering and loss. The opening of the memoir introduces Sophie as a child pickpocket trained to steal from a very young age. It vividly describes her upbringing in a world of crime, where stealing became second nature. Her stepmother instilled in her the belief that stealing was not only acceptable but a skill to be honed, leading to a tumultuous life filled with arrests and the absence of a nurturing environment. Throughout this early narrative, Sophie reflects on her motivations and the misguided notions that led her to embrace a life of crime, setting the stage for her ultimate realization that crime does not pay.
Antonino M.
Der Roman eines geborenen Verbrechers Selbstbiographie des Strafgefangenen Antonino M...
"Der Roman eines geborenen Verbrechers" by Antonino M. is a semi-autobiographical novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life of the main character, Antonino M., a man marked by a history of violent crime and imprisonment, leading to reflections on his identity and psychological condition. Through a narrative that intertwines personal experiences with psychological insights, the author delves into the motivations and circumstances that shape a life riddled with criminality. The opening of the text introduces Antonino M. as a convicted criminal currently serving time in an Italian prison. The narrative sets the tone for the exploration of his past, including his tumultuous upbringing, his descent into a life of crime, and interactions with notable criminal figures within the prison system. It hints at themes of fate, social context, and the psychological struggles that define his identity as both an individual and a product of his environment, focusing on his failed attempts to assert agency over his violent tendencies and ultimately chart his own destiny.
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