"Framed around the autobiography of a New York City pickpocket and confidence man, this volume explores the rapidly changing criminal underworld of the late nineteenth century. It provides engaging, colorful, and raw portraits of criminal networks, the underground economy, searing poverty, corrupt, brutal cops, and sadistic prison guards. Students will be drawn into the powerful narrative of George Appo's life and in the process gain insight into the nature of crime and punishment in nineteeth-century America."
— Jeffrey S. Adler, University of Florida
"Whether one regards George Appo as a victim of poverty and limited opportunities or as a charming socio-path, students of American history, criminology, law, and even psychology will find themselves engaged in Gilfoyle's rendering of Appo and his world of 'good fellows.'"
— Kenneth J. Heineman, Angelo State University
"A first-rate introduction to the history of crime and policing and how historians pull such histories together."
— Alan Lessoff, Illinois State University
"A fascinating and insightful classroom tool. Professor Gilfoyle has opened a unique window to the past that students will find engrossing."
—Andrew E. Kersten, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay