Robbing Banks: An American History, 1831-1999

ISBN: 188511964X

Author: Kirchner, L.r.

Condition: New

The establishment of banks in the land of "free enterprise" gave rise to a parallel profession that has always fascinated the public: the bank robber. A dangerous undertaking in any era, the world of bank robbing includes venal brutes, nefarious artists, cool daredevils, and just plain idiots doing anything to get to that free money. Robbing Banks, which covers heists from 1831 to the present day, depicts the history of bank robbing in all of its colorful-and occasionally grim-variety.America came to the forefront of world bank-robbing history because of its Wild West, where Jesse James and his gang of ex-Rebels became legends in their own time. The golden era of bank robbing occurred during the Great Depression, producing folk heroes such as "Pretty Boy" Floyd and Bonnie and Clyde. Meanwhile, gentlemen like Willie Sutton and Herman "the Baron" Lamm plied their trade with a degree of class that is remarkable for a criminal in any time period.Sprinkled between the legends are the failures, such as the Texas teenager who chose to rob his first bank just when the county sheriff's office had received its weekly payroll. A few lazy desperados have even attempted hold-ups at drive-through windows. Robbing Banks is a fascinating look at a criminal profession which, like the banking industry itself, has evolved with the times to meet every new challenge that has come along.