Encyclopedia of Crime »

"The Encyclopedia of Crime is an authoritative, wide-ranging history of the world's most famous crimes and criminals. In-depth portraits of true crime's most extraordinary characters are here, from serial rapists to glamorous gangsters, from ruthless killers to train robbers. Bonnie & Clyde, John Gotti, Al Capone, Ruth Ellis, Charles Manson, Jack the Ripper, the Krays - three specialist authors describe the stories that lie behind such infamous names." "Criminal activities and techniques - from safecracking to blackmail, from bodysnatching to cannibalism - are explored, revealing a range of weapons: lawnmowers, champagne, snakes, and even rolling pins. A thorough investigation of the science of crime is included, from footprints to genetic fingerprinting." The development of methods to bring justice to convicted criminals are covered, including the guillotine, lethal injection, prison, and the electric chair. Throughout history, a lucky few always make the break, leaving as their legacy exciting tales of famous escapes, from Alcatraz or Dartmoor, San Quentin, or Aspen.