MEMOIRS OF A BOW STREET RUNNER

by Henry Goddard ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

These memoirs of an early ""thief-taker"" have been assiduously authenticated and amplified by Patrick Pringle, who not only contributes an introduction but adds extensive footnotes to the individual cases. Since there is almost no surviving material on the Bow Street Runners, the first British police detective force, Goddard's personal record of his years with them- from his enlistment. In 1824 until the Runners were disbanded in 1839- provides a unique manuscript. The cases in themselves may offer little hot pursuit for the reader- but they do not reflect the flavor of the period and range over a variety of criminal infractions- robbery and arson and embezzlement; a titled lady's theft of ""ribands""; the apprehension of the ruffian, Dick Roacher, of a gambler, an extortionist, an indebted distiller, and an agitator; the gold robbery from the Dover Defiance Mail; and his assignment as bodyguard to the Emperor of Russia when he was the Grand Duke Alexander.... For those committed to true crime- this will have its certain appeal.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1957

Categories: NONFICTION