Subject
Criminals -- Great Britain Books
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Camden Pelham
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 2/2 being a series of memoirs and anecdotes of notorious characters who have outraged the laws of Great Britain from the earliest period to 1841
"The Chronicles of Crime; or, The New Newgate Calendar" by Camden Pelham is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume presents a series of memoirs and anecdotes detailing notorious criminals who have broken the laws of Great Britain up until 1841, encompassing a range of offenses from murder to forgery and piracy. The book showcases various criminals and their crimes, providing insight into the darker aspects of society during this period. The opening of the work introduces the reader to a collection of case studies, highlighting the gruesome realities of crime and punishment in early 19th-century Britain. It begins with the accounts of several individuals convicted of serious crimes, such as coining and conspiracy. For example, the event surrounding the 1816 trial of Thomas Brock and others reveals the corruption within the police system, where informants would entrap innocents to profit from convictions. This narrative approach sets a somber tone, making it clear that the volume aims to explore complex moral questions related to justice, legality, and the human condition in the context of crime.
Arthur Griffiths
The Chronicles of Newgate, vol. 1/2
"The Chronicles of Newgate, vol. 1/2" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the history of Newgate Prison, detailing its role in the criminal justice system of England from its inception to the modern era. The narrative likely covers the experiences of notable inmates, the brutal conditions of incarceration, and the evolution of penal reform, intertwining personal stories with broader social and historical contexts. At the start of the book, Griffiths provides a preface explaining the extensive research and challenges faced while compiling the history of Newgate Prison, which has been a significant institution for centuries. He sets the stage by discussing its grim conditions, overcrowded cells, and the varied categories of inmates, from debtors to political prisoners. The text also alludes to the fluctuating treatment of prisoners over time, reflecting changes in societal attitudes toward justice and reform, ultimately introducing themes of morality, humanity, and the dark realities of prison life in historical England.
Arthur Griffiths
Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 1 From the twelfth to the eighteenth century
"Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 1" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work provides an in-depth exploration of Newgate Prison, focusing on its history from the twelfth to the eighteenth century, examining the lives of its inmates and the societal implications of crime and punishment during that era. The opening of the narrative sets a tone of grim reflection on the brutal history of penal practices, illustrating the stark realities faced by those imprisoned within Newgate's walls. Griffiths introduces the prison as a place of suffering where individuals, regardless of their social class, faced dire conditions, often dependent on charity for their survival. Early mentions highlight the treatment of both political and common criminals, and the text hints at the dramatic stories that will unfold through the lens of notable prisoners and the evolution of justice within this infamous institution.
Charles G. (Charles George) Harper
Half-hours with the Highwaymen - Vol 1 Picturesque Biographies and Traditions of the "Knights of the Road"
"Half-Hours with the Highwaymen - Vol 1" by Charles G. Harper is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the fascinating yet grim world of highwaymen in England, tracing their evolution from romanticized outlaws to the more sordid figures of their decline. Harper aims to unveil the true nature of these "Knights of the Road" by sifting through historical accounts and myths, providing an engaging narrative about their lives and crimes. At the start of the book, the author sets the stage for a detailed examination of highwaymen throughout history, highlighting their depiction in folklore and the romanticized views that have persisted over time. He reflects on the transformation of these figures, noting how they varied from noble outlaws like Robin Hood to common criminals known for their brutality and cowardice. As Harper discusses early accounts, including exaggerated biographies, the reader is introduced to the complex interplay of fact and fiction that characterizes highwayman legends, setting the tone for a thorough exploration of their intriguing yet tragic history in subsequent chapters.
Basil Thomson
Queer people
Garden City, N.Y. edition (Doubleday, Page & company) has title: My experiences at Scotland Yard.
Camden Pelham
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 1/2 being a series of memoirs and anecdotes of notorious characters who have outraged the laws of Great Britain from the earliest period to 1841.
"The Chronicles of Crime; or, The New Newgate Calendar" by Camden Pelham is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The work aggregates detailed memoirs and anecdotes of notorious criminals who have violated the laws of Great Britain, covering a wide range of offenses from murder to piracy. This collection serves both as a grim reflection on the consequences of crime and a commentary on social morality. At the start of the text, the author introduces the overarching theme of crime and punishment through a series of narratives focused on infamous characters from British history. The opening portion presents the case of Thomas Hunter, a clergyman executed for the gruesome murder of his two pupils, which sets a dramatic tone for the accounts to follow. It outlines Hunter's descent from a respected teacher to a figure of infamy motivated by revenge against the children who discovered his illicit affair. The narrative warns of the dangers of temptation and the inevitable repercussions of guilt, establishing a moral framework that is to be explored throughout the volume.
Arthur Griffiths
Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 2 From the eighteenth century to its demolition
"Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 2" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the notorious Newgate Prison, exploring its grim realities from the 18th century until its demolition. Griffiths, who served as an inspector of prisons, provides a detailed examination of the dismal conditions faced by inmates, the notorious cases of crime, and the broader context of prison reform in England. At the start of the volume, the appalling state of Newgate Prison is starkly illustrated. The opening details the unthinkable neglect and inhumane conditions that prisoners endured, with scant provisions and rampant overcrowding leading to rampant disease, specifically the "gaol fever." Griffiths highlights personal accounts and historical anecdotes, such as the treatment of debtors and the intermingling of prisoners, which reveal both the physical and moral degradation within the prison walls. The introduction sets the stage for a broader discussion of the need for prison reform, documenting the alarming public health crises stemming from the prison's abysmal conditions.
Alfred Marks
Tyburn Tree: Its History and Annals
"Tyburn Tree: Its History and Annals" by Alfred Marks is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the grim history and circumstances surrounding the executions that took place at Tyburn, exploring the social, legal, and cultural dimensions of capital punishment in England. Marks vividly portrays the procession to Tyburn, echoing the suffering of the condemned and the societal attitudes towards justice and punishment. The opening of the book provides a haunting introduction to the narratives of the many individuals who met their fate at Tyburn—a place where an estimated fifty thousand souls were executed over centuries. Marks describes the journey of these individuals, ranging from noblemen to common thieves, depicting the harrowing experiences they faced, including being dragged or led to the gallows. He references various historical and literary sources to underline the spectacle of these public executions and comment on the historical context of crime and punishment, hinting at a broader discourse on the ramifications of state power and the evolution of societal values concerning justice.
Arthur Griffiths
The Chronicles of Newgate, vol. 2/2
"The Chronicles of Newgate, vol. 2/2" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the intricacies of crime, punishment, and prison reform during a time when Newgate Prison was notorious for its overcrowded conditions and brutal penal code. It explores the lives of criminals who passed through Newgate, including forgers, highwaymen, and notorious historical figures, shedding light on the widespread criminality and harsh legal repercussions of the period. At the start of this volume, the narrative focuses on the state of crime upon the opening of Newgate's new structure, which was filled to capacity with a diverse array of offenders. Griffiths discusses the rampant criminal activities of the era, noting that executions were common, particularly for crimes such as forgery, which was punishable by death. The text draws on specific historical cases, recounting the lives and trials of various criminals, including petty offenders and well-known figures, while also detailing the inefficiency of law enforcement and the conditions in which these individuals were detained. Through these accounts, the opening portion sets the stage for a broader discussion of the emergence of prison reform in response to the dire situation in Newgate.
Horace Bleackley
Some Distinguished Victims of the Scaffold
"Some Distinguished Victims of the Scaffold" by Horace Bleackley is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores notorious figures who met their ends on the gallows, particularly throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, presenting detailed narratives about their crimes and trials. Central to the opening portion is the case of Mary Blandy, whose tragic downfall stems from a toxic love story that leads her to poison her father. The beginning of the book introduces the complex story of Mary Blandy, detailing her family background and the influential dynamics between her, her parents, and her lover, Captain William Cranstoun. As the narrative unfolds, it depicts Mary’s entangled emotions and desires against the societal expectations placed upon her. Following the death of her father due to arsenic poisoning—subtly linked to her lover's manipulative schemes—the story vividly captures her trial, public perception, and the poignant tragedy of her fate as a parricide, ultimately leading to her execution. The opening sets a captivating premise that promises an in-depth exploration of crime and societal attitudes during a turbulent historical period.
Charles G. (Charles George) Harper
Half-hours with the Highwaymen - Vol 2 Picturesque Biographies and Traditions of the "Knights of the Road"
"Half-hours with the Highwaymen - Vol 2" by Charles G. Harper is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the lives and exploits of notorious highwaymen from the past, presenting them as complex characters who often navigated the lines between heroism and criminality. The text delves into the legends surrounding figures like John Nevison, providing insights into their adventures on the roads of England. The opening of the volume introduces John Nevison, famously dubbed "Swift Nicks," who challenges the traditional narratives that often overshadow his accomplishments with the tales of Dick Turpin. As the narrative unfolds, it recounts Nevison’s daring exploits, including a remarkable ride from Gad's Hill to York undertaken to establish an alibi after a robbery. His character is portrayed as charismatic yet morally ambiguous, navigating the complexities of being a highwayman with moments of unexpected honor, such as returning stolen money to victims. Thus, the beginning sets a tone that invites readers to reconsider the legends of highwaymen within a broader cultural and historical context.
Charles Whitehead
Lives and exploits of the most noted highwaymen, robbers and murderers of all nations Drawn from the most authentic sources and brought down to the present time
"Lives and Exploits of the Most Noted Highwaymen, Robbers, and Murderers of All Nations" is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This work details the notorious lives of infamous criminals across various nations, illustrating their exploits in robbery and murder. The narratives provide insights into the psychological and social contexts of these figures, capturing their dangerous activities and eventual downfalls. The opening portion of the book introduces readers to individual notorious criminals, beginning with Claude Du Vall, a French highwayman who achieved fame in England. His story recounts his rise from humble beginnings to notoriety, showcasing both his charm and cunning as he navigated encounters with victims and law enforcement. Other figures, like Sawney Beane and Thomas Wynne, are outlined, presenting their shocking actions and the brutal realities of their lives. The text promises a gripping exploration of morality and depravity, setting the stage for a vivid examination of historical crime and its consequences.
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