American Underworld: The Flash Press - Crime, Scandal, and Blackmail Papers of the Nineteenth Century

The Flash Press covered the seamier aspects of urban life in the mid-19th century. Covering topics such as, prostitution, gambling, urban gangs, illicit sporting activities, and sensational crimes.  To many of their readers, the Flash Press also conveyed an implicit threat of blackmail, which often led to very ephemeral print runs.  Dates of coverage 1826 to 1876.

This database provides access to a unique, rare, short-lived and often bawdy form of journalism. It covers many topical categories including but not limited to: satirical and often humorous articles on the illicit, low-life aspects of life in the city; urbane critiques of bordellos and their inhabitants; original poems and songs devoted to off-color episodes and characters; interviews with and articles about the most notorious “rakes” of the era; extensive coverage of police activities and sensational crimes and trials; detailed lists of ongoing criminal investigations, some of which are highly satirical; Reviews of the bawdiest theatrical performances; reports on both legal and illegal sporting events such as cock-fighting, bare-knuckle boxing, and horse racing; reporting on gambling and noteworthy gamblers; Rare and detailed coverage of the underground economy of urban America in the 19th century. **Patrons should read the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy of this resource before searching.**

Access to this resource has been temporarily expanded to NYPL cardholders working from home, courtesy of Readex/Newsbank.