Synopses & Reviews
While researching a book on Depression-era outlaws, Playboy editor William J. Helmer stumbled upon a 600-page manuscript on John Dillinger. Written in the 1930s by G. Russell Girardin but never published, Dillinger: The Untold Story is a captivating and revealing account of Dillinger's life and crimes, based in part on information given to Girardin by the outlaw's lawyer, Louis Piquett, shortly after Dillinger's death. Though a series of articles written by Girardin and Piquett appeared in various newspapers at the time, the manuscript continued to yellow on the shelf for half a century until Helmer met Girardin and agreed to help get it published. This anniversary edition is filled with more illustrations and new information from FBI files and other sources, making it a rich and authentic slice of American history and a feast for true crime buffs.
Review
"... Girardin's book is a fantastic read." --therumpus.net, July 2, 2009
Review
"One of the most entertaining, thought-provoking, and enlightening works on one of history's most infamous figures." --Austin American Statesman Indiana University Press
Review
"This book is a real steal and deserves to become legendary in its own right.... It reads like the best of fiction--only it's great history." --Minnesota History Indiana University Press
Review
"Retains much of the spirit of the Depression era, when many regarded bankers as evil and bank robbers were celebrated in the media.... A significant addition to Americana." --Publishers Weekly Indiana University Press
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"A fascinating addition to the true-crime shelf." --Playboy
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"Eminently revealing and enjoyable." --Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
The story of one of America's most notorious criminals
About the Author
G. Russell Girardin had a successful career as the head of an advertising agency. He died mere months after showing William J. Helmer the long-forgotten manuscript on Dillinger.
William J. Helmer is author of The Gun That Made the Twenties Roar and other books on the gangland era. He lives in Boerne, Texas.
Rick Mattix is author (with William J. Helmer) of Public Enemies: America's Criminal Past, 1919-1940. He lives in Bussey, Iowa.
Table of Contents
Contents
Foreword by Rick Mattix
Preface to the 75th Anniversary Edition
About the Book
Preface
I.
1. The Twig Is Bent
2. The Quality of Mercy
3. "And every man's hand"
4. The Gang Attains Maturity
5. A Florida Vacation
6. Prosecutor Estill Poses for a Picture
II.
7. Piquett Takes the Case
8. The Vanishing American
9. Wooden Gun, Indiana
10. How Dillinger Did It
III.
11. Enter Uncle Sam
12. Storm in the Midwest
13. Homecoming
14. Slaughter of Innocents
15. The Safest Place in America
IV.
16. Loeser Whets His Knife
17. Dillinger Goes to the Park
18. The Private Life of a Public Enemy
19. The Last Raid of the Dillinger Gang
20. Piquett Falls from Grace
V.
21. The Woman in Red
22. KILL DILLINGER HERE!
23. The Battle of Barrington
24. Piquett Pays the Price
25. Casualties
Epilogue
A Dillinger Chronology
Chicago Hideouts and Hangouts
Gravesites of Gang Members
After the Facts: Further Investigations by William J. Helmer
A Dillinger Miscellany Prepared by Rick Mattix and William J. Helmer
Acknowledgments
Sources
Index