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

by Dary Matera

Book Overview

Best-selling author Dary Matera sets the Dillinger record straight, seventy years after the outlaw's death. John Dillinger is an adrenaline-fueled narrative that reignites America's fascination with the suave but deadly desperado who was the FBI's first "Public Enemy." Dubbed "The Jackrabbit" because of the way he leaped over bank cages and railings, Dillinger and his bank-robbing gang cut a criminal swath yet to be equaled. They became so famous...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786713542
• ISBN13: 9780786713547
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Riveting and try and put this book down!

In the most documented account of the "Little Bohemia" FBI Mea Culpa, be right there when the story is told minute by minute and with unbelievable detail. The description of the cars and firearms involved is a saga into itself. I had to visit the little town of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin and walk where the players walked and see the actual bullet holes. We also get an insight into Baby Face Nelson and his "take no prisoners' persona. This book will give you goose bumps but you cannot put it down.

EXCELLENT BOOK! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Actually the book was written about John Dillinger, not Al Capone or Jesse James. I feel the former Joe Pinkston would have been proud that his son picked out such a well-known author to write this manuscript. Matera is a renown author of 12 books and his subjects have been featured on 20/20, 60 Minutes, 48 Hours, Primetime Live, Larry King Live, Nightline, Expose, Donahue, Oprah, Regis and Kathy Lee, Good Morning America, A Current Affair, Inside Edition, The E True Hollywood Story, Unsolved Mysteries, Hollywood Insider, PM Magazine and Personalities among others. They have been reviewed and featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Atlanta Journal/Constitution, The Miami Herald, Newsweek, Time, People magazine, Life, Satellite Orbit, Editor & Publisher, The American Bar Journal, The Library Journal, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Tribune Newspapers and many additional newspapers and magazines. His first book ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT? (Random House/Villard) was a New York Times best seller in both hardcover (1987) and paperback (1988, Berkley). More than a million copies were printed world wide. I feel author Dary Matera did an excellent job on this book as he has several other books he has written. Lots of new information, especially on Dillinger's early years. This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Reviewed by 7ony Stewart, author Dillinger, The Hidden Truth

A GREAT READ FOR SEVERAL REASONS

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.

A Well Researched Book and Fascinating Reading

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.

Reads like an exciting novel

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.