Grannan's Pocket Gallery Of Noted Criminals Of The Present Day, Containing Portraits Of Noted And Dangerous Criminals, Pickpockets, Burglars, Bank Sneaks, Safe Blowers And All-Round Thieves

GRANNAN DETECTIVE BUREAU CO

Publication: Spencer & Craig Printing Works, 1889, Cincinnati

First edition. 24mo. 5 1/4" x 3 1/2" cloth booklet, 80 pp., introduction, illustrated, portraits. This little book was meant to be carried in a coat pocket for ready reference and identification. "The book is particularly valuable because nearly every photograph from which these portraits were made was taken in September, 1888." Part of the introduction deals with the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, at Columbus, in September, 1888. The Ohio Centennial Exposition was also going on there at the same time. Chief of Police Murphy knew well that every pickpocket, burglar and thief would be in town at that time to reap a harvest, so he assembled the best detectives from Ohio and neighboring states and the result was 42 of the smartest crooks in the country were behind bars. In addition a picture of each of the criminals apprehended is provided along with a complete description to include their age, height, weight, and other pertinent details. Also included is a section on THE JAMES GANG with particular emphasis on the raid at Northfield, Minnesota, where the James Gang and the Younger Gang tried to rob the bank. There are individual pictures of each of the gang members along with their deeds and where they are now. The first copy we've had the pleasure to offer. There are no copies in OCLC. It's rarity is confirmed by it's absence from Ramon Adams' SixGuns and Jeff Dykes' Rare Western Outlaw Books, as well as Wright Howes' Usiana and The Graff Collection of Western Americana! In addition, never offered by Eberstadt, nor included in the collections of Thomas Streeter or George W. Soliday. Light evidence of an old water stain to the edges of several pages, and some light rubbing to original cloth binding, but on balance a very good clean copy.

Inventory Number: 52105