Item #19816 Scrapbook of More than 450 Newspaper Clippings on American Criminals and their Crimes, 1899-1902
Scrapbook of More than 450 Newspaper Clippings on American Criminals and their Crimes, 1899-1902
Scrapbook of More than 450 Newspaper Clippings on American Criminals and their Crimes, 1899-1902
Scrapbook of More than 450 Newspaper Clippings on American Criminals and their Crimes, 1899-1902
Scrapbook of More than 450 Newspaper Clippings on American Criminals and their Crimes, 1899-1902
Scrapbook of More than 450 Newspaper Clippings on American Criminals and their Crimes, 1899-1902

Scrapbook of More than 450 Newspaper Clippings on American Criminals and their Crimes, 1899-1902

Scrapbook housed in a former ledger, 8.5 x 14 inches, with the printed title "Pawnbroker's Watch Book." 100 leaves, all with clippings pasted on both sides, most dated 1899, a few later. Ledger worn, with leather spine partially perished, internally some glue staining, but otherwise very good. The compiler of this book had broad interests when it came to bad behavior and included reports of a wide variety of crimes--from sensational murders and brazen jewel robberies to embezzlement, con games, pick-pocketing, and forgery. One article recounts "Thrilling Experiences in Capturing Members of Chineese Secret Society" in San Francisco. Another tells of the "Gentleman Burgler" of Jersey City who was "Lothario by Day, Thief at Night" and another offers a "Round-Up of Notorious Gambler and Thiees in the Klondyke." There are dozens of mugshots of wanted criminals with brief notes about their crimes, while longer stories detail investigations and pursuits, arrests, confessions, trials, and sentences. There are also articles on police--most in praise of heroic actions or clever detections, but also tales of bungling and excessive use of force. With more than 450 clippings recounting events from all over the United States, this scrapbook offers a truly fascinating window onto both crime and crime journalism in the late nineteenth century.

Item #19816

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