Knight of Another Sort

Shawnee Classics

by Gary DeNeal

A Knight of Another Sort

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Crime

229 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best biography of Birger.

[Daniel Borcky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read. DeNeal really wears his passion for Southern Illinois history on his sleeve, but doesn't let that blind him to the facts of it. This book was presented as a story, from beginning to end, but has all of the sources cited in order to back it up. As a resident of the area, I was fascinated, appalled, bemused, angry, and perplexed by the people who populated my community before me. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a fascination, not just in Illinois history, but in the history of organized crime and prohibition as well.

[Buck Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first books I read about Southern Illinois after I moved to Carbondale. DeNeal really captures Southern Illinois of the 1920s when the gangs, the KKK, the labor unions were all at war. Birger was the last man to be publically hanged to death in Illinois in 1928, right here in beautiful downtown Marion. If you are interested in regional lore, this is a must addition to your reading. coincidentally, Gary DeNeal is the father of Hugh and Brian DeNeal of Woodbox Gang fame.

[James Wazorick · Rating 4 out of 5]

My father cut school to attend the hanging, which was the last public hanging in the state. If you enjoyed this book, find a copy of Paul Angle's "Bloody Williamson", which covers the period of violence in Southern Illinois from the 1880s to 1940.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this b/c my great aunt spoke of the day he was hung in the town square. She remembers him. I think they say this was the last public hanging.

[Betsy Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a movie. Very academic, but very fun. If you're from Southern Illinois, especially, grab this.