THE ONION FIELD, 1973

In his first work on nonfiction, Joseph Wambaugh presents his strongest, most important book. It is the vivid story of an incredible aftermath--a murder that led to the longest, most intricate court case in California’s history. Here is a book as thorough as In Cold Blood and as unique as the events it describes.

It is the complete story of four men--two of them criminals, two of them policemen--who were forced together one night in a California onion field. It is a story of hate and horror--and of compassion and courage. Above all, it is a story of guilt and of a man almost destroyed in the name of justice.The Onion Field is a superbly told true account, a book that combines years of research with the kind of insight and characterization that only a skilled novelist can provide.

QUOTE FROM TRUMAN CAPOTE

“Mr. Wambaugh’s The Onion Field is a distinguished contribution toware the gradually enlarging field of the ‘factual novel.’ A fascinating account of a double tragedy: one physical, the other psychological.”

CRITICS’ PRAISE

“Begins in high gear and stays there.” Saturday Review

“An impressive book... A creative reportorial attempt to present a slice of American life in the decade of the nineteen-sixties.” The New York Times