V is for villains

V is for villains

 

 

 

Coming from the worlds of science fiction, children’s literature, film, and true crime, these are just a few of the crooked and mischievous characters that you can find in amongst the library’s Special Collections.

Wanted poster issued by Chief Constable H.J. Grasett of Toronto in 1888 for larcenists Bertha Maria Brown (aka “Big Bertha”) and Charles Wasserman.

“Big Bertha” wanted poster
Chief Constable H.J. Grasett, Toronto, 1888
Broadside
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana

Bertha Heyman (b. 1851) was a real-life master criminal who went by the alias of "Big Bertha" or the "Confidence Queen". She was a thief, a grand larcenist and a con artist.

This 1888 wanted poster was issued by Chief Constable H.J. Grasett of Toronto for the arrest of “Big Bertha” and of Charles Wasserman for crimes committed in Yorkville.