Colonel Thomas Blood, Crown-stealer, 1618-1680
"Colonel Thomas Blood, Crown-stealer, 1618-1680" by Wilbur Cortez Abbott is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the extraordinary life of Thomas Blood, an infamous figure in English history known for his audacious exploits, including an attempt to steal the English crown. Abbott's work not only chronicles Blood's life but places him within the broader context of political turbulence during the Restoration period in England. The opening of the book sets the stage for a captivating tale of adventure and intrigue. It begins by assuring the reader of the authenticity of Blood's story, which is as remarkable as any fictional account, yet founded in actual historical occurrences and documentation. Blood emerges as a daring character whose bold undertakings, such as the kidnapping of the Duke of Ormond and the audacious theft of the crown jewels, highlight a life lived on the fringes of law and order. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to the causes and contexts of his criminality, interweaving with critical historical moments and figures of the era, effectively making Blood a representative of an important class struggling against the tides of change in post-Civil War England.