This is the book that was in Johnny's hand in a recent pic. Can anyone tell me if this book has been discussed as an ONBC study? I didn't know where else to ask. I'm only a few pages into it and it is an incredible read. Thanks a lot! Susan

Hey, Depputysue! This is the perfect place to ask your question.

We just finished discussing Bryan Burrough's Public Enemies which is the basis for the movie. Liz and I did take note of the book Johnny was holding in the picture and it just may show up on ONBC for future discussion.

Oh Goodie!
I was wondering that myself.

I think Dillinger the Untold Story was Burrough's main source for his Dillinger material. It's a really great book and covers most of the same stuff Burrough does but leaves out most of the material on the other gangsters (unless it pertains directly to Dillinger). Highly recommended. Many of the other books on Dillinger are just not historically accurate.

I'd like to order this book so could someone give me the author's name so I make sure I get the right one?

Thank you.

The authors names are G. Russell Girardin & William J. Helmer.

I'm about half way through the book & I love it. I'm enjoying it more than Public Enemies since it's mostly all about Dillinger

Thank you. I found one on Amazon with those authors and Rick Mattix listed as a collaborator. The title of the book is "Dillinger: The Untold Story Expanded Edition" and it's a paperback.

I will order it because I just finished Public Enemies and it was a real learning experience.

Depputysue, I went to the library and got that book the minute I saw it in Johnnys hand. I loved it! I don't want to get rotten tomatoes thrown at me but in some ways I liked it a lot more than Public Enemies. It was more about Dillinger and it was more personal. Some say it is more sympathetic. It has two authors and I loved the way G. Russell Girardin writes. Its very beautiful and old fashioned. If you read it, you will see what I mean.
G Russel Giradin wrote most of the script years before and it was never published until William J. Helmer ran across it after the release of the FBI files. They got together and made it into a book and G. Russel Girardin died just after he finished but before it was published. His wife said working on it again made his last months worth living again. Yes, Rick Mattix is listed as a collaborator along with the two authors. I would highly reccomend the book even if Johnny wasn't reading it. I hope we do get to discuss it on ONBC since Johnny read it. Maybe after the film comes out and we see how Johnny used the knowledge to portray Dillinger.

I would have to agree, Gemini. I was too afraid to admit it, but since you did, I must agree. I'm only about 30 pages into it and absolutely love it. I like the idea of a discussion once the movie is released... hopefully Liz and DITHOT will too!!

I wouldn't be embarrassed that you like it as well or better than PE since Burrough himself recommended it in his bibliography. He recommends many other good sources too and warns against the crap. If you haven't had a chance to read through the bib, and you plan to do more reading, I would start there.

Thanks DITHOT, Gemini and everyone for your info and comments on the book. I will be watching and waiting for the discussion. By then maybe I'll have read PE and JD-The Untold Story.

I just love this place and you guys! I can JDOCD to my heart's content

I ordered it from Amazon this week, the moment I saw the cover! I don't think I can wait so long for the film to come out ... it's going to feel like forever.

I'm wondering if you can compare the two. Each has a different focus. John Dillinger--the Untold Story is focused entirely on Dillinger. PE deals with all of the public enemies and the FBI's pursuit of them.

One of my very best friends got me PE for my birthday!!! I love all the details it goes into not only about the yeggs but the FBI as well!!!!

The Dillinger book would be next on my list as well!!!