Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about notable criminals and outlaws.
What is this encyclopedia about?
It is a fan-made reference covering historically significant criminals, outlaws, and heist figures across multiple centuries. Entries range from frontier bandits to modern organized-crime figures, focusing on the stories that made them culturally memorable.
Who are the most prominent figures covered here?
The encyclopedia spans from 19th-century outlaws such as Jesse James and the Dalton gang to 20th-century names like Al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde. More recent entries include white-collar offenders and international heist teams whose cases became pop-culture touchstones.
Where should a newcomer start reading?
The Timeline page gives a chronological sweep of major criminal eras and helps orient readers before they dive into individual entries. Most fans also recommend beginning with the Outlaw Era section, as it contains the most frequently referenced stories.
What time periods does the encyclopedia cover?
Entries begin in the mid-1800s with early frontier and railroad outlaws and extend through the present day. The densest coverage falls between 1870 and 1970, when high-profile robberies, gang wars, and famous escapes generated the most public fascination.
What makes a criminal notable enough to earn an entry?
Inclusion typically requires a combination of public impact, cultural legacy, and a narrative that extended beyond the crime itself. A figure might qualify for a single dramatic robbery, a long-running criminal empire, or a posthumous myth that outlived their actual record.
Are all the figures real historical people?
Yes, every entry is grounded in documented individuals and events drawn from court records, newspapers, and published biographies. The encyclopedia does not include fictional characters, though it notes where pop-culture adaptations took creative liberties with the real story.
What are some of the most referenced notable moments?
Frequently cited events include the 1901 assassination of President McKinley, the 1934 train hijacking near Winnemucca, Nevada, and the 1983 Brink's-Mat vault heist in London. Each receives a dedicated Key Event sidebar within the relevant entry.
How are the entries organized?
Figures are grouped by era and sub-category such as frontier outlaws, gang-era criminals, white-collar offenders, and heist specialists. Cross-references link co-conspirators, rival gangs, and the law-enforcement officers who pursued them.
What tone does the encyclopedia take toward its subjects?
The writing aims for neutral, fact-based reporting rather than glorification or condemnation. Context about social conditions, the legal systems of the era, and the human factors behind each case is included to help readers understand the why alongside the what.
Can fans suggest new entries or flag corrections?
Yes, the community maintains an open suggestion thread where readers propose figures, flag inaccuracies, or link to primary-source documents. Proposals are reviewed against the notability criteria before being drafted into full entries.