Description Sophie Lyons (1848-1924) was an American criminal and one of the country's most notorious female thieves, pickpockets, shoplifters, and confidence women during the mid-to-late 19th century.
She and her husbands Ned Lyons and Billy Burke were among the most sought-after career criminals in the US and Canada, being wanted in several major cities including Philadelphia, Boston and Montreal from the 1860s to the turn of the century.
She and Lyons were prominent underworld figures in New York City in the post-Civil War era as members of fence Marm Mandelbaum's inner circle.
Sophie eventually retired from criminal life and spent her later years involved in the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents, and providing financial assistance and housing for reformed criminals and their families.
This autobiography which includes line drawings and a photographic portrait of the author was first published in 1913.
Echo Library Why crime does not pay (illustrated edition), paperback/sophie lyons
