Schechter, Harold

"From veteran true crime master Harold Schechter comes Murderabilia, a history of crime told through the dark objects left behind. The false teeth of a female serial killer from 1908, the cut-and-paste confession of the Black Dahlia killer, the newly cracked cipher of the Zodiac killer, the shotgun used in the Clutter family murders, which were made famous by Truman Capote's true crime classic In Cold Blood-these are more than simple artifacts that once belonged to notorious murderers. They are objets of fascination to the legion of true crime obsessives around the world. And not merely for fleeting dark thrills, but because they represent a way to better understand those who we typically label monsters in lieu of learning how they actually became one. In Murderabilia, veteran true crime writer Harold Schechter presents 100 murder-related artifacts spanning two centuries (1808-2014), with accompanying stories of various lengths. A visual and literary journey, it presents a history unlike any previously told in the true crime genre, one that speaks to the dark fascination of true crime fans while also presenting a larger historical timeline of how and why we continue to be captivated by the most sensational crimes and killers among us"--.

Provides a collection of essays detailing the true stories behind over forty films as "Psycho," "The Fugitive," and "Double Indemnity" among other popular movies. The films are listed alphabetically, from "Alpha Dog" to "The Young Savages," and there are black-and-white photographs throughout.

Covers every aspect of multiple murderers from psychology to cinema, fetishism to fan clubs, trophies to trading cards.

Contains alphabetized entries on specific serial killers throughout history, topics related to their crimes, and other various subjects such as executions, the FBI, and post-homicidal depression.

A series of bizarre events and complex circumstances send Edgar Allan Poe and Colonel David Crockett on a wild search for an evil killer.

Contains alphabetically arranged entries that provide information about a variety of topics related to serial murderers.

Traces the history of violence in images, movies, video games and other forms of information and entertainment and challenges those who maintain that it contributes to increased crime and deviant behavior.

Provides practical information on a wide range of mortuary-related matters such as death anxiety, wills, deathbed and funeral etiquette, behind the scenes at the funeral home, and alternative burial choices. Includes facts, insights, anecdotes, and illustrations.