Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about infamous criminals & outlaws.
What is this encyclopedia and what does it cover?
It is an unofficial, fan-maintained reference that profiles historically notorious criminals, outlaws, and heist figures from around the world. Think of it as a deep-dive companion to standard history texts, with extra context on motives, escapes, and cultural impact.
Who are the most prominent figures covered here?
The encyclopedia spans from 19th-century outlaws like Jesse James and Butch Cassidy through Prohibition-era figures such as Al Capone and Bonnie and Clyde into modern-era cases. Each entry receives the same structural depth regardless of era or region.
Where should a new reader begin?
Start with the "Greatest Escapes" and "Most Notorious Heists" spotlight pages, which pull together the single most dramatic moments across all eras. From there, the chronological timeline index lets you jump into whichever period interests you most.
What time periods and regions are included?
Entries range from the American Old West (1860s–1910s) through Prohibition-era organized crime, post-war bank robbers, and into 21st-century cybercrime and white-collar cases. Coverage is global, including figures from the UK, Australia, South America, and Eastern Europe.
What separates an "outlaw" from a regular criminal in these entries?
The encyclopedia uses "outlaw" for figures who operated outside or against the law as a lifestyle—frontier bandits, fugitives, and those who became folk heroes. "Criminal" covers organized-gang members, white-collar offenders, and repeat offenders whose notoriety came from scale rather than myth.
How accurate are the entries?
Every claim is cross-referenced against court records, contemporary newspaper archives, and at least two published biographies. Where accounts conflict—common in outlaw lore—the entry flags the discrepancy and presents each version side by side.
What are some of the most talked-about "notable moments" in the collection?
Highlights include the 1901 train robbery at Butte, Montana; the 1934 Dillinger shoot-out in Chicago; the 1971 Great Train Robbery in England; and the 1997 "Mega-Bucks" armored-car heist in New York. Each has a dedicated Moment page with a timeline, participant list, and aftermath.
How are individual entries structured?
Each profile follows the same template: a brief summary, a life timeline, a Modus Operandi section, a list of major incidents, the capture or death circumstances, and a Legacy & Pop Culture paragraph. Cross-links connect co-conspirators, victims, and law-enforcement figures.
Does the encyclopedia cover female criminals and outlaws?
Yes—entries include figures like Ma Barker, the "Ladies of the Gang" in Prohibition Chicago, and modern-era con artists, each given the same structural treatment as their male counterparts. A dedicated "Women in Crime" index makes them easy to locate.
Can readers suggest new entries or flag errors?
The community board accepts submission proposals and correction requests on a rolling basis, reviewed by a small editorial panel. New entries go live after a two-week peer-review window to ensure sourcing meets the encyclopedia's standards.