Allan Pinkerton: The Original Private Eye

by Judith Pinkerton Josephson

Examines the life of the detective who founded his own agency and introduced a system of recording criminals to help track them down and tie them to crimes

128 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

In my writing career, I have published numerous magazine, newspaper, and journal articles and over twenty books spanning varied genres—including biographies, childhood history books, and picture books for children; two zany grammar guides for folks needing a refresher; and a historical fiction novel. I write books and stories for children and some for adults. I’ve written biographies on diverse people, such as track and field legend Jesse Owens, detective Allan Pinkerton, poet Nikki Giovanni, musician Louis Armstrong, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and labor activist Mother Jones. One of the things I love about writing biographies is the chance to shine a spotlight on fascinating people. Sometimes they are more interesting than anyone I could invent. Especially interesting to me are those who overcome challenges and provide positive role models for children. In my books on childhood history (the Our America series), I explored what children were doing during various eras in history—using children’s diaries, memoirs, photographs, songs, games, and more. As a co-author with Edith Fine, we wrote two humorous grammar guides and a picture book, Armando and the Blue Tarp School, nominated for the 2009-2010 California Young Reader medal and chosen for One Book San Diego. When I am not scrutinizing words, I enjoy writing poetry, playing my violin, reading, swimming, snorkeling, walking, and spending time with my family. For more about me, visit www.judithjosephson.com, www.grammarpatrol.com, and www.bluetarpschool.com

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a very interesting man! I always wondered how the famous detective agency came about and this book was a great telling of the story.

[Joe Spoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading about the Pinkertons in several historical books, and after watching the TV Series "The Pinkertons" I wanted to know more about Allan Pinkerton. I mistakenly ordered this book, not realizing if was geared towards youth (8 or 9th grade level). As it turns out, I enjoyed the book. It had just the right amount of information, without overdoing it. I have found that some biographies seem to go into too much detail. This one was just right for me.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of his life, career, and famous company. Great place to start to learn about the man and the interesting times he lived in.

So much American history you never learned in school!

[Fv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author seems to know how to write and write well.

I can rate another of her books five stars.

This book was so interesting, that is was a hard to put down book, until I finished reading it.

Like her style, the facts about life at the time Mr. Pinkerton lived without gory details made me appreciate what people had to go through, just to get a loaf of bread in their homes.

This is not a must read for school children, though, but a good book if you like reading about life in the 1800's. Especially when other books refer to the Pinkerton Detective Agency.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative read on the original Private Eye. I really liked it.