John Dillinger : The Life and Death of America's First Celebrity Criminal

Rating:
Summary: A Well Researched Book and Fascinating Reading
Review: Considering that John Dillinger's romp through bank robbing infamy lasted barely more than one year it is amazing the impact he has had on changes made in law enforcement, the banking industry, and the rise of Hoover's F.B.I. Had Dillinger lasted somewhat longer Hoover's critics may have defeated a federal police force by pointing out their inability to capture the hoodlum, and bringing up the fiasco that took place at Little Bohemia in northern Wisconsin. John Dillinger lost his mother at the age of three and was known to say that perhaps things would have turned out differently if he had a mother around. Dillinger's chosen path proved to be a tough way to live as evidenced by the demise of not only himself, but his cohorts in crime as well. Wounds suffered in bank robberies had to be attended to by physicians who had questionable skills in practicing medicine. The strain of having to be ever alert, and who to trust took its toll on the gang members. There were times when Dillinger let his guard down almost in defiance of the authorities. In the end it was a woman, dressed in orange, not red, who turned against him on a hoped for recommendation that she would not be deported from the country. The book is slightly over 400 pages long, but if you enjoy gangster books, this is an action-filled volume you are sure to enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended.
Review: I highly recommend this well-written detailed account of the Dillinger saga. It has a lot about the nature of law enforcement during the early 1930s and improvements in law enforcement after the war on crime was over. It also has new information about Dillinger's death, bank robberies, and planned crimes such as a train robbery.































Rating:
Summary: Dillinger as seminal anti-hero/celebrity
Review: The gist of this book is that Dillinger was a thief, but certainly no worse than the "assassins" who executed him, specifically those of the corrupt East Chicago police.

Rating:
Summary: Reads like an exciting novel
Review: The only disappointment I experienced while reading this book was that it came to an end! To use a tired but appropriate cliche, 'I could not put it down.' The reader will be very impressed by Matera's meticulous research, yet the book is not a dry rehashing of details. It reads like a novel; an exciting portrayal of a mesmerizing personality. You might feel a bit guilty, because the book comes across as a sympathetic rendering of the notorious gangster and, as a result, you may find yourself actually rooting for Dillinger at the end. All in all, a fascinating depiction of Dillinger's life and times.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: This book is excellent!!!! The author gives so much details it's unbelieveable. I recommend this book to everyone, you'll love it!!

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT READ FOR SEVERAL REASONS
Review: When I first saw this book I did not think I would like it. I do not really like "gangster books." After deciding to read it anyway, I am quite pleased I did. The author has used a technique which makes the book quite readable and interesting. He has been able to give us many wonderful facts without becoming academic. By this I mean, he has given us a popular history work , which, while not a scholarly, is one that never-the-less gives us a good bit of our countries history in a less painful way than a history text would. He has used a vocabularly and technique very effectively which often times was found in the 1950s pulp fiction crime books, but has done it in a way that makes it enjoyable and not laughable. Not only do we get a wonderful story of a very, very bad person, but we get a very good glimpse into the mind set of our nation during a very, very bad period of our time. The book is certainly well researched and very detailed. Like me, even if you are not into "gangster books" you will find this one enjoyable and informative. If you are into "gangster books," then you will most certainly like this one. Don't overlook this one. It is a good bit of writing and I very much recommend it.