Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about notorious criminals & outlaws.
What is this encyclopedia and who is it for?
It is a community-built, unofficial reference that catalogs notorious criminals, outlaws, and high-profile heists across multiple centuries. It is aimed at history buffs, true-crime enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a quick, organized overview without wading through academic texts.
Who are the most frequently referenced figures?
Names that consistently top reader interest include Jesse James, Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone, John Dillinger, and more recently, figures like the Zodiac Killer or the Brink's-Mat robbery crew. Each has a dedicated entry with timeline, key associates, and primary-source citations.
Where should a newcomer begin reading?
Start with the 'American Frontier Outlaws (1865–1900)' section for the classic outlaw narrative, then move into the 'Prohibition-Era Gangsters' chapter. Those two eras provide the cultural vocabulary (hideouts, standoffs, takedowns) that later entries build on.
What time periods and regions does the encyclopedia cover?
Entries span from mid-19th-century frontier bandits through 20th-century organized crime to 21st-century financial and cyber outlaws. Geographically, the focus is North America and Western Europe, with select entries from Australia, South America, and East Asia.
What counts as a 'notable moment' in an entry?
A notable moment is a single, well-documented event that defined the figure's public story—such as a failed bank run, a dramatic prison escape, a fatal shootout, or a landmark trial verdict. Each is given its own sub-section with date, location, and outcome.
How are outlaws categorized compared to ordinary criminals?
The encyclopedia reserves 'outlaw' for individuals whose actions carried a strong public-myth or cultural-narrative dimension, often operating outside or against established authority in a way that generated press folklore. Standard white-collar or repeat petty offenders are cross-referenced but not given full outlaw entries.
How is the site organized for quick navigation?
Content is indexed three ways: by chronological era, by crime type (armed robbery, smuggling, murder, fraud), and by geographic region. A cross-reference table at the bottom of every entry links associates, rivals, and related events.
What are some of the most famous escapes covered here?
The 1962 Alcatraz breakout attempt, the 1979 Angolan prison mass escape, and the 1935 Dillinger hotel shootout are among the most-read escape and standoff pages. Each entry includes a step-by-step sequence and the forensic or police reports that informed the reconstruction.
How accurate is the information, and how are sources handled?
Every factual claim is traced to public-domain court records, newspaper archives, or published police reports linked in a 'Sources' footer. The encyclopedia explicitly flags speculative or folklore-based details as unverified, separating documented fact from popular legend.
Can I suggest a new entry or correct an existing one?
Yes—the site maintains a public 'Suggestion & Correction' board where readers can propose figures, flag disputed dates, or add primary-source links. Proposals are reviewed by a small volunteer editor team before being merged into a live entry.