True Crime: An American Anthology

True Crime: An American Anthology compiles accounts of notorious crimes from the past 300 years of American history. Editor Harold Schechter brings together writings from journalists, novelists, and other observers who documented these cases as they occurred. The collection spans from Colonial-era witch trials through 20th century serial killers, presenting each case through the lens of its contemporary chroniclers. Writers include Mark Twain, Damon Runyon, James Thurber, and other notable American authors who covered criminal cases as part of their broader literary careers. These pieces capture both the facts of notorious crimes and the social contexts that surrounded them. The anthology preserves the original language and perspectives of each era's writers, providing insight into how different periods of American society viewed and processed acts of violence. The collected works reveal crime writing as a distinct American literary tradition that reflects shifting cultural attitudes about justice, morality, and human nature. Through these accounts, the anthology traces the evolution of both criminal behavior and society's response to it across generations.

Readers appreciate the anthology's breadth and curation of true crime writing from the 1800s through modern day. Many note that the historical perspective helps demonstrate how crime reporting and public reactions have evolved over time. Readers highlight the inclusion of diverse voices and writing styles, from Mark Twain to Dominick Dunne. Several reviews mention the James Gordon Bennett piece about the 1836 Helen Jewett murder as particularly compelling. Common criticisms focus on the uneven quality between entries and dense writing style of some older pieces. A few readers found the historical language challenging to follow. Some wanted more contemporary selections. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (314 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) From reviews: "A fascinating look at how Americans have long been captivated by true crime stories" - Amazon reviewer "Some excellent journalism mixed with a few tedious entries" - Goodreads review "Required reading for anyone interested in the evolution of crime writing" - Library Journal

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson A parallel narrative of architect Daniel Burnham's creation of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and serial killer H.H. Holmes' concurrent murder spree in the same city.

Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi The lead prosecutor in the Charles Manson trial provides a detailed account of the investigation, murders, and subsequent conviction of the Manson Family.

The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule A former police officer turned crime writer recounts her personal relationship with Ted Bundy while working alongside him at a crisis hotline, unaware of his secret life as a serial killer.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote This pioneering work of narrative nonfiction reconstructs the 1959 murders of the Clutter family in Kansas and the subsequent investigation that led to the capture of killers Perry Smith and Dick Hickock.

American Predator by Maureen Callahan The investigation and capture of Israel Keyes, a methodical serial killer who buried murder kits across the United States and successfully evaded detection for over a decade.

🔍 Harold Schechter is a professor emeritus of American literature at Queens College, CUNY, and has been called "America's principal chronicler of its greatest psychopathic killers." 📚 The anthology spans nearly two centuries of crime writing, from the early 1800s through the modern era, featuring works by Mark Twain, Truman Capote, and James Ellroy. ⚖️ The book includes coverage of infamous cases like the Lizzie Borden murders and the Leopold and Loeb trial, written by journalists and authors who were present during the actual events. ✍️ Many of the included pieces were written by authors better known for their fiction work, showing how true crime attracted even the most celebrated American writers. 🗞️ The collection demonstrates how crime reporting evolved from simple newspaper accounts to more complex narrative journalism, helping establish true crime as a legitimate literary genre.