Criminal Slang:

Monteleone compiled this collection of words and phrases used by the "gangster, tramp or hobo" over the course of a career that spanned the 1920's, 30's and 40's. Both instructive and amusing, it contains hundreds of entries relating to criminal matters of the time, such as "Academy" (a Jail), "Across the River" (dead), "Grease the Track" (to fall under a moving train), "Looseners" (prunes), "Sprinkle the Flowers" (to distribute the bribes), "Sue Bowel" (A Chinese opium den), "Write short Stories" (to forge checks) and "Zib" (an easy victim). Also includes a table of hobo code symbols. A fascinating addition to any criminal law history library or collection, this book will likely be perused often.