A Pickpocket's Tale: The Underworld of Nineteenth-Century New York [Paperback]

A true story more incredible than fiction. Kevin Baker, author of A remarkable tale&What is surprising about the book is how much Gilfoyle cares about this small-time crook. And how much he makes us care. An instructive and somewhat chilling depiction of life in New York's underside during the 19th century. Appo is captivating. Despite a Dickensian childhood, institutional sadism and bad luck, he remains honest, in his own way, and is rightly transformed into an American hero. Terrific&a fine history that makes for a riveting read. A spectacularly detailed look at the evolution of crime (and especially punishment) in post-Civil War America. For the first time in our history, a distinguished scholar has opened up the previously undiscovered world of the common criminal in the nineteenth century. What an impressive and unforgettable story.