While researching a book on Depression-era outlaws, Playboy editor William J. Helmer stumbled upon a 600-page manuscript on John Dillinger. Written in the 1930s by G. Russell Girardin but never published, Dillinger: The Untold Story is a captivating and revealing account of Dillinger's life and crimes, based in part on information given to Girardin by the outlaw's lawyer, Louis Piquett, shortly after Dillinger's death. Though a series of articles written by Girardin and Piquett appeared in various newspapers at the time, the manuscript continued to yellow on the shelf for half a century until Helmer met Girardin and agreed to help get it published. This anniversary edition is filled with more illustrations and new information from FBI files and other sources, making it a rich and authentic slice of American history and a feast for true crime buffs.

". . . Girardin's book is a fantastic read."—therumpus.net, July 2, 2009
". . . a wild ride through one of the most fascinating periods in American criminal history."—Chicago Tribune
". . . the first comprehensive overview of Dillinger's betrayal and killing. . . . A fascinating addition to the true-crime shelf."—Digby Diehl, Playboy
"Eminently revealing and enjoyable."—Kirkus Reviews
"This is one of the most unusual books in the annals of modern true-crime writing, for the bulk of the text was written 60 years ago and never before published. . . . Helmer has been faithful to the florid style of the original . . . copious and informative notes reflect his further research, based on sources not available to Girardin. The book constitutes a significant addition to Americana."—Publishers Weekly
"A fascinating addition to the true-crime shelf."—Playboy
"One of the most entertaining, thought-provoking, and enlightening works on one of history's most infamous figures."—Austin American Statesman
"Retains much of the spirit of the Depression era, when many regarded bankers as evil and bank robbers were celebrated in the media. . . . A significant addition to Americana."—Publishers Weekly
"This book is a real steal and deserves to become legendary in its own right. . . . It reads like the best of fiction—only it's great history."—Minnesota History
". . . Girardin's book is a fantastic read.July 2, 2009"—therumpus.net
"For true crime buffs, Dillinger: The Untold Story is a remarkable slice of American history."—Nashville Banner
"This year's hottest contribution to the true crime genre . . . For the ultimate you-are-there account—including jailhouse interviews with gang members—Dillinger is hard to beat."—Indianapolis Monthly
". . . a wryly subversive commentary on the eternal, infernal interplay between law and lawbreaker."—The Texas Observer

G. Russell Girardin had a successful career as the head of an advertising agency. He died mere months after showing William J. Helmer the long-forgotten manuscript on Dillinger.
William J. Helmer is author of The Gun That Made the Twenties Roar and other books on the gangland era. He lives in Boerne, Texas.
Rick Mattix is author (with William J. Helmer) of Public Enemies: America's Criminal Past, 1919–1940. He lives in Bussey, Iowa.