This book is like a crime encyclopedia of crime in one volume. It was researched very well, using crimes from before the 1700s. Excellent and detailed examples and explanations. There were a lot of high profile examples, too. For example, for the robbers, there was Jesse James and Bonnie and Clyde and the Great Train Robbery. There were many International examples too. For Arson there was John Orr and the Antwerp Diamond Heist. Con Artists such as Doris Payne. So many others! I found it fascinating. Honestly, I had not heard of many of these people, so it was fun to learn about them. What crime encyclopedia would be without a large section on organized crime. This book gave a lot of information on the roots of organized crime and the different families and people in power. And yes, there is a large section on murder. Many high profile cases, such as Lizzie Borden, Elizabeth Short, Manson Family, "Dingo got my baby", John Lennon, and many others. Including ones I personally had not heard of. There there are the serial killers. Who does not like to read about serial killers (when you like to read true crime)? Ted Bundy, Brady & Hindley, and Jeffrey Dahmer. There is more to the book, and it is well worth reading. It is well written and well researched. Simply put, it is a must read. ( )

THE CRIME BOOK: BIG IDEAS SIMPLY EXPLAINED by DK Publishing is yet another outstanding edition in their growing library. This is not a comprehensive, finely detailed look into crime through the ages. If it were, it would have to be published in multiple volumes with massive cross-referencing.
Here, in 350 plus pages, many different aspects of crime through the centuries is talked about and the most striking cases are laid out for your enjoyment. Minus the gruesomest details and illustrated with drawings and photos that are not as horrifying as they might have been in some other, less respectable, publication. The intent here it to inform and educate, not thill and titillate.
History is full of con artists and kidnappers, murderers and serial killers. Included herein are examples of white collar crime (Bernie Madoff and Enron to name a few), Organized Crime (Mafia, Hell's Angels and the Yakuza) and a few other types of crime. You might find criminals you've known and loved for years, or there might be a surprise hidden here that you take your wonderings in a new direction.
This is a handsome, civilized look at a terrible subject, but one that we can't seem to resist. Enjoy. ( )