ABSTRACT
This chapter presents Sam Goodman's narratives about his upbringing and early criminal career, along with the apex of his burglary and fencing activities and his conviction and imprisonment for dealing in stolen goods. It begins with the beginning and the ending-the beginning of Darrell J. Steffens-meier's research Odyssey with Sam, and the end of Sam's life. Sam's Homecoming, is extracted from Steffensmeier's field notes describing the furlough trip to American City. I Feel Rougher Than Hell, also draws on Steffensmeier's field notes to describe the sequence of events leading to the deathbed interviews, beginning with a Thanksgiving day telephone call from Sam to Steffensmeier canceling their weekend plans to attend a large antique auction in an adjacent state. The Jig Is Up, includes excerpts from Steffensmeier's weekend interview with Sam in which Sam speaks about his bout with cancer and appraises his life.
