9THE REAL BONNIE & CLYDE: America's Most Infamous Criminal Double-Act
There have been many notorious American criminals. These include figures such as Al Capone, the infamous gangster and bootlegger, and Billy the Kid, the outlaw and thief of the Wild West. However, two of the most famous American criminals of all time are Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, also known as Bonnie and Clyde.
Travelling around the central and southern United States in a series of stolen cars, Bonnie and Clyde were the terror of store-owners and police alike. There are numerous tales about their exploits during the late 1920's and early 1930's, many of which have been embellished over the years.
Bonnie and Clyde were famous for robbing stores at gun point. But they also preferred to drive the store owners many miles away, and release them with travel money to get home, rather than shooting them. This clemency and humanity has meant that some people view Bonnie and Clyde as loveable outlaws, rather than evil criminals.
Bonnie and Clyde also demonstrated their notorious criminal reputation and skill when they successfully broke into the most secure prison in Texas, Eastham Prison, releasing several prisoners in the process.
The pair were viewed in many ways. Some thought they were Robin Hood heroes for 1930's America. Some thought that Bonnie and Clyde represent the ultimate romantic lovers, who remained loyal to each other throughout every hardship. Other people argue that the criminal fugitives were the archetype of amoral, vicious killers. This book uncovers the real Bonnie & Clyde, the lives and crimes, to better understand what drove this most infamous of criminal double-acts.