brettbrettr
06-20-2005, 11:21 PM
Public Enemies by Bryan Burrough.
Its about bank robbers during the early 1930's--Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, The Barkers, Pretty Boy Floyd etc--and traces how the modern day FBI came about. Basically once the outlaws crossed state lines local and state police couldn't do much of anything about it. Hoover's force was initially comprised of beaurocratic lawyer types but as time went on he realized they weren't equipped to deal with the gangs so he started recruiting "guys who knew how to shoot." (Yes, that's an accurate quote and I admire its simplicity.)
The book basically debunks all the myths about the various outlaws--eg, Bonnie and Clyde were really nickel and dimers who robbed gas stations more than banks. Ruthless, yes. But not as "accomplished" as the other gangs.
Anyhoo, there's my OOT contribution. OOT, you're welcome.
Its about bank robbers during the early 1930's--Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, The Barkers, Pretty Boy Floyd etc--and traces how the modern day FBI came about. Basically once the outlaws crossed state lines local and state police couldn't do much of anything about it. Hoover's force was initially comprised of beaurocratic lawyer types but as time went on he realized they weren't equipped to deal with the gangs so he started recruiting "guys who knew how to shoot." (Yes, that's an accurate quote and I admire its simplicity.)
The book basically debunks all the myths about the various outlaws--eg, Bonnie and Clyde were really nickel and dimers who robbed gas stations more than banks. Ruthless, yes. But not as "accomplished" as the other gangs.
Anyhoo, there's my OOT contribution. OOT, you're welcome.