Dillinger, Anniversary Edition

While researching a book on Depression-era outlaws, Playboy editor William J. Helmer stumbled upon a 600-page manuscript on John Dillinger. Written in the 1930s by G. Russell Girardin but never published, Dillinger: The Untold Story is a captivating and revealing account of Dillinger's life and crimes, based in part on information given to Girardin by the outlaw's lawyer, Louis Piquett, shortly after Dillinger's death. Though a series of articles written by Girardin and Piquett appeared in various newspapers at the time, the manuscript continued to yellow on the shelf for half a century until Helmer met Girardin and agreed to help get it published. This anniversary edition is filled with more illustrations and new information from FBI files and other sources, making it a rich and authentic slice of American history and a feast for true crime buffs.

. . . Girardin's book is a fantastic read., . . . a wild ride through one of the most fascinating periods in American criminal history., . . . the first comprehensive overview of Dillinger's betrayal and killing. . . . A fascinating addition to the true-crime shelf., Eminently revealing and enjoyable., This is one of the most unusual books in the annals of modern true-crime writing, for the bulk of the text was written 60 years ago and never before published. . . . Helmer has been faithful to the florid style of the original . . . copious and informative notes reflect his further research, based on sources not available to Girardin. The book constitutes a significant addition to Americana.

G. Russell Girardin had a successful career as the head of an advertising agency. He died mere months after showing William J. Helmer the long-forgotten manuscript on Dillinger.William J. Helmer is author of The Gun That Made the Twenties Roar and other books on the gangland era. He lives in Boerne, Texas.Rick Mattix is author (with William J. Helmer) of Public Enemies: America's Criminal Past, 1919–1940. He lives in Bussey, Iowa.