Allan Pinkerton

Allan Pinkerton was a Scottish-American detective and spy, best known for founding the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in the mid-19th century. Born on August 25, 1819, in Glasgow, Scotland, Pinkerton emigrated to the United States in 1842, where he quickly made a name for himself in law enforcement. His agency became famous for its innovative investigative techniques and played a significant role in several high-profile cases, including the thwarting of an assassination plot against President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Pinkerton's work not only shaped the field of private investigation but also influenced the development of modern law enforcement practices.

Beyond his detective work, Pinkerton was also a writer who documented his experiences and insights in a compelling way. His writings provide a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of his career, revealing the man behind the badge. For those curious about the life of a pioneering figure in American law enforcement, exploring Allan Pinkerton's work in this app offers an intriguing journey through history. Whether you’re interested in detective stories or the evolution of crime-fighting, Pinkerton’s contributions are sure to captivate and inform.

The Expressman and the Detective

Read by Pete Williams, Pittsburgh, PA


Allan Pinkerton



Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884), a Scotsman by birth and a barrel-maker by trade, settled in Chicago in its infancy and founded the Pinkertons, …

Thirty Years a Detective: A Thorough and Comprehensive Exposé of Criminal Practices of All Grades and Classes

Read by Mark Harrington


Allan Pinkerton



Detective Allan Pinkerton, creator of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, shares in this book the methods that criminals use to exploit…

Great Detective Stories

Read by LibriVox Volunteers


Allan Pinkerton



Allan Pinkerton, founder of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, wrote a number of "great detective stories", which he claimed were &qu…