4Q 4P M J S "In this multivolume series about bad guys of all types, readers learn about some of the most notorious people in history. The Outlaws, Gunslingers and Thieves volume features information about men and women like Jesse James, Wyatt Earp, and Belle Star. In Gangsters, Bootleggers and Bandits, readers learn about Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, and John Gotti. Other countries and cultures are represented in Merciless Monarchs and Ruthless Royalty, which focuses on rulers from Egypt's Herod and Rome's Nero to Russia's Ivan the Terrible and Belgium's Leopold II. This series is very visually appealing and fits easily into the preferences of style common to today's readers by using concise text with easy-to-read language that features interesting voice. Each wicked profile has a two- or four-page full-colored spread with text, illustrations, and photos. Every volume starts with a two-page introduction of the topic spotlighted. There is not a glossary, but each selection includes a defined word in a text box, so unfamiliar words are located right near the context, a very user-friendly aspect of the series.

A table of contents makes it easy for readers to find the information about a specific personality if they so choose. The accounts are overall summaries of the lives of each of the characters, including significant dates, which is a great way to get some basic knowledge about these nefarious people. If doing research, however, a much more in-depth source would be needed for a solid base. This set is a great way to add some fiendish fun to a collection of biographies." --VOYA.