Full Description
Former Prussian soldier Herman "Baron" Lamm (1890-1930) adapted his military training to a much less noble occupation after moving to America, developing a reputation as one of history's most brilliant and efficient bank robbers. Lamm's time fell between Butch Cassidy and John Dillinger's notorious careers, and Lamm never received the attention of the two famous gunslingers. This first full-length biography promotes Lamm from his supporting role, tracing his criminal exploits and his pioneering use of concepts like "casing" a bank and planning escape routes. Analysis of arrest records finds Lamm's genius as a criminal mastermind much overrated, and a detailed examination of the trial transcript of fellow gang members Walter Detrich and James Clark brings to life Lamm's spectacular downfall.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments viii
Preface
An Unarmed Prologue
I. Materials for a Death
II. Minions of the Moon: St. Bernice, 1924
III. Easy Money: Milwaukee, December 8, 1924
IV. "We always had our eyes open": Of Hooligans and Vigilance
V. Under the Radar at Winston-Salem
VI. Death Comes to Lafayette
VII. The Simple Art of Bank Robbery—Frankfort, Indiana, December 3, 1930
VIII. Clinton; or, The Wheels of Chance
IX. "You're out of luck"
X. After "the most thrilling manhunt ever staged in this part of the country"
XI. The State of Indiana vs. Walter E. Detrich and James Clark, Alias William M. Long
XII. Tell the Jury What, If Anything, Happened Then: The Witnesses Speak
XIII. The Greatest Escape
XIV. Laid at His Doorstep
XV. Who Else?
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
