Exploring the lives of these infamous figures within the context of their times gives the texts a choppy quality: the biographical information is continually interrupted by historical discourse, including often unnecessary information boxes. Capone and the others are superficially examined, with little psychological depth, in these volumes illustrated with black-and-white photographs and historical reproductions. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Gr 6-8-The concept behind this series of biographies of criminal or antisocial individuals is a good one, placing their life stories within the context of their times. King's title is more history than biography. Political and military events dominate the story of the brave and brilliant hero of the Battle of Saratoga who joined the British cause and fled with his family to England. Hints of Arnold's vengeful nature, his desire for money and recognition, and the likely influence of his loyalist wife are overshadowed by the lengthy descriptions of the campaigns of the war and the policies of Washington and other leaders. Jean Fritz's Traitor (Putnam, 1981) remains a more accessible study of the complex character and twisted motives of this infamous American. Otfinoski's treatment of his subject is more in keeping with the series concept. He shows Booth's fanaticism as he schemed to capture Lincoln, entered conspiracies against government leaders, and, as the war ended in surrender, assassinated the president. Both volumes are illustrated with black-and-white engravings of Revolutionary and Civil War scenes and prints and photographs of personalities.-Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ