More than 600 biographies of notorious personages, from the merely controversial to extremely negative, from ancient times to the present and worldwide, with emphasis on their roles in historical events or impact on law enforcement or popular culture.

An entirely new publication continuing Salem's Great Lives from History series, 637 essays focus on historically significant personages considered "notorious." The definition of that term ranges from controversial to extremely negative. Scope of coverage includes ancient times to the present, worldwide, including figures as diverse as Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Idi Amin, Ted Bundy, and Osama Bin Laden. The set spans classic figures such as Hitler to contemporary figures such as Aileen Wuornos. Controversial figures--from Mao Zedong to Richard Nixon--are also included. Legendary figures, from Salome to Robin Hood, are also addressed. Personages covered are remembered for their infamy but also for their key historical roles.

Categories of "notorious" include:
- Assassins
- Bad Popes
- Biblical Villains
- Con Artists, Cheats, and Frauds
- Corrupt Politicians
- Cult Leaders
- Dictators, Tyrants, and Bad Rulers
- Gangsters
- Military Figures
- Murderers and Accused Murderers
- Nazis
- Outlaws and Gunslingers
- Pirates
- Political Rebels and Revolutionaries
- Racists and Hatemongers
- Unethical Scientists and Doctors
- Serial Killers
- Sexual Predators
- Terrorists
- Thieves and Bank Robbers
- Traitors and Spies
- War Criminals
- White Collar Criminals
- "Witches" and Occultists

Each article includes the date and location of birth and death, aliases and monikers, major offenses (or the cause of notoriety) and sentence if applicable. When and where the person was active. Biographical elements also include early life (childhood and upbringing), details of their criminal/political career, and their impact. Further reading is included with each biography