Iconic figures throughout history have played significant roles in shaping crime and criminal lore. These individuals, whether they were notorious gangsters, cunning con artists, or infamous serial killers, have captivated the public imagination and drawn attention to the darker side of humanity. Here are five of the most famous, along with works of literature that have memorialized them.
Jesse James (1847-1882)
Jesse Woodson James became famous as the leader of the James-Younger gang, one of the most feared group of outlaws in its time. They were known primarily for bank and train robberies. James and his brother Frank have achieved folk here status in some circles.
Check out Jesse James: Last Rebel of the Civil War by T.J. Stiles.
Jack the Ripper (1888)
This serial killer is infamous for a series of gruesome murders in London, which sparked a media frenzy and countless investigations. Recently, historian Russell Edwards claims to have identified Jack the Ripper as Aaron Kosminski, a 23-year-old Polish immigrant, through a DNA match on a shawl recovered from one of the victims.
Check out The Complete History of Jack the Ripper by Philip Sugden.
Al Capone (1899-1947)
Alphonse Gabriel Capone, known as “Scarface,” was one of the most notorious American gangsters during the Prohibition era, known for his involvement in speakeasies and illegal liquor trafficking.
Check out Capone: The Man and the Era by Laurence Bergreen.
Meyer Lansky (1902-1983)
Meyer Lansky, known as the “Mob’s Accountant,” was a major Chicago organized crime figure in the development and growth of the American Mafia. He, along with associate Charles “Lucky” Luciano, was instrumental in creating the National Crime Syndicate in the United States.
Check out Meyer Lansky: The Thinking Man’s Gangster by Robert Lacey.
Ted Bundy (1946-1989)
Theodore Robert Bundy, nicknamed the “Campus Killer” and the “Lady Killer,” was an infamous American serial killer who kidnapped, raped, and murdered dozens of women and girls in the 1970s. His charm and intelligence made him a particularly chilling figure, and his case highlighted issues around criminal psychology.
Check out The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule.
These are just five of many. Some, like Eric Rudolph, Ted Kaczynski, and David Berkowitz, are still alive.
When you think of iconic criminals throughout our history, do others come to mind?
Mike Cobb is the author Dead Beckoning, The Devil You Knew, and its sequel, You Will Know Me by My Deeds. A native of Atlanta, Mike splits his time between Midtown Atlanta and Blue Ridge, Georgia. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, cooking, boating, and spending time with family and friends. Visit Mike Cobb online at: www.mikecobbwriter.com
