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First published in 1989. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

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Library Journal Review

The ``Ten Most Wanted List'' of criminals was begun by the FBI in 1950 for the primary purpose of generating publicity for the bureau. This book contains brief histories--generally less than a page--of the 420 individuals who made the list from its inception until the summer of 1988. The publisher claims that the book, ``offers a history of criminal America that reveals changing trends in crime, police procedures, and criminal personalities.'' In their introduction of less than four pages, the authors provide no justification for such a claim, and this reviewer can find none elsewhere in the book. Not recommended.-- John Broderick, Stonehill Coll., North Easton, Mass. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

There is considerable information in the introduction to this encyclopedia. The rationale for the inauguration of the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" program in 1950 is given. The primary purpose of the list, the generation of publicity for the ultimate apprehension of the criminals, is also stated. The program has proved statistically to be effective. Specialized criteria for selection of the felons, and the specificatons of the average "Top Ten" lawbreaker are detailed. Passage of the statutes on "unlawful flight to avoid prosecution," and "unlawful flight to avoid confinement across state lines" are explained. These are important, as they have become the most common grounds for FBI pursuit of the criminals. Finally, three major criticisms of the list are answered: too much publicity; too much attention to "small time" criminals; and the politicization of the list because of emphasis on left-wing radicals. The main body of the reference is a case-by-case, chronologically arranged description of those who made "the list" from 1950 through 1988. The accounts average one page in length, and some include photos. A profile listing details information on age, date listed, offense, location, and arrest date for each person. Easy access to information on known felons is provided through the name index. Well researched and interesting, but not a necessary purchase for libraries. -C. H. Handy, Westfield State College