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Audio Source : Librivox, Public Domain

The Autobiography of a Thief

Hutchins HAPGOOD (1869 - 1944)

I met the ex-pickpocket and burglar whose autobiography follows soon after his release from a third term in the penitentiary. For several weeks I was not particularly interested in him. He was full of a desire to publish in the newspapers an exposé of conditions obtaining in two of our state institutions, his motive seeming partly revenge and partly a very genuine feeling that he had come in contact with a systematic crime against humanity. But as I continued to see more of him, and learned much about his life, my interest grew; for I soon perceived that he not only had led a typical thief's life, but was also a man of more than common natural intelligence, with a gift of vigorous expression... I therefore proposed to him to write an autobiography. He took up the idea with eagerness, and through the entire period of our work together, has shown an unwavering interest in the book and very decided acumen and common sense. The method employed in composing the volume was that, practically, of the interview. From the middle of March to the first of July we met nearly every afternoon, and many evenings, at a little German café on the East Side. There, I took voluminous notes, often asking questions, but taking down as literally as possible his story in his own words; to such a degree is this true, that the following narrative is an authentic account of his life, with occasional descriptions and character-sketches of his friends of the Under World. Even without my explicit assurance, the autobiography bears sufficient internal evidence of the fact that, essentially, it is a thief's own story. - Summary by Hutchins Hapgood (from the Preface)

Genre(s): Biography & Autobiography, True Crime

The History of Burke and Hare, And of the Resurrectionist Times

George MACGREGOR ( - )

From the preface: ".....of all the criminal events that have occurred in Scotland, few have excited so deep, widespread, and lasting an interest as those which took place during what have been called the Resurrectionist Times, and notably, the dreadful series of murders perpetrated in the name of anatomical science by Burke and Hare. In the preparation of this work the Author has had a double purpose before him. He has sought not only to record faithfully the lives and crimes of Burke and Hare, and their two female associates, but also to present a general view of the Resurrectionist movement from its earliest inception until the passing of the Anatomy Act in 1832, when the violation of the sepulchres of the dead for scientific purposes was rendered unnecessary, and absolutely inexcusable."

Genre(s): True Crime

The Border Bandits

J. W. BUEL (1849 - 1920)

''An authentic and thrilling history of the noted outlaws Jesse and Frank James and their bands of highwaymen.compiled from reliable sources and containing the latest facts in regard to these desperate freebooters.'' (from the author's sub-title) The James brothers emerged from the Confederate guerrillas to become notorious outlaws of the American west rising to legendary status. J.W. Buel chronicles their path of robbery and murder across the West in short vignettes. - Summary by Larry Wilson

Genre(s): True Crime

Lives Of The Most Remarkable Criminals Who have been Condemned and Executed for Murder, the Highway, Housebreaking, Street Robberies, Coining or other offences Vol 3

Arthur L. HAYWARD (1859 - 1927)

This is the third volume in this collection of reports and newspaper stories regarding notorious criminals and their punishment, assembled by prison inspector Arthur Hayward from original sources originally published in 1735. Please note that some listeners may find the language and terminology in some chapters offensive. It is Librivox policy to maintain the original without alteration or censorship. To do otherwise would be to ignore prejudices existed.( Lynne Thompson)

Genre(s): *Non-fiction, True Crime


Fifty Years a Detective: 35 Real Detective Stories

Thomas FURLONG (1844 - 1918)

Hitherto unpublished facts connected with some of Mr. Furlong's greatest cases—Other interesting incidents of his long and strenuous career which really began on September 14, 1862, when he was detailed from his company, (Co. G., 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, better known as the Pennsylvania Bucktails) for special service. - Summary from the Preface

Genre(s): True Crime

The Romance of Piracy

Edward Keble CHATTERTON (1878 - 1944)

The Library of Romance is a series of books concerning the romance of scientific facts, be it biology, chemistry, history, or politics. This volume is one of history, concerning an account of the known facts of piracy, starting with the Vikings, and arching in history and geography toward an account of piracy in Chinese waters at around the time of publication of this volume (1914). - Summary by Carolin

Genre(s): True Crime

Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 6: Part 2: The Man in the Iron Mask, Martin Guerre

Alexandre DUMAS (1802 - 1870)

Dumas, with the assistance of several friends, compiled Celebrated Crimes, an eight-volume collection of essays on famous criminals and crimes from European history. Includes The Man in the Iron Mask and Martin Guerre. - Summary by Michele Eaton

Genre(s): True Crime

The Fall River Tragedy

Edwin H. PORTER (c. 1864 - 1904)

The story of how Lizzie Borden supposedly murdered her parents has passed into American folklore, partly thanks to the albeit inaccurate playground rhyme, "Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41." Here we have the 'true' story, as reported by the local police reporter who attended the trial and lived only streets away from the Borden home with his young wife. After the trial, Porter 'disappeared' and it was widely speculated he had either been murdered or bribed to disappear 

True Stories of Crime from the District Attorney’s Office

Arthur Cheney TRAIN (1875 - 1945)

Former New York DA Arthur Train tells true crime stories from his time in office. - Summary by Colleen McMahon

Genre(s): True Crime