The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime
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Description
Book Synopsis: THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER"Wonderful… [Flanders] shines in her readings of literary novels containing criminal and detective elements, such as Oliver Twist, Mary Barton and Tess of the D'Urbervilles, but can be sharp and very funny about the vagaries of melodramatic and sensational plotting." –Wall Street Journal
In this fascinating exploration of murder in the nineteenth century, Judith Flanders examines some of the most gripping cases that captivated the Victorians and gave rise to the first detective fiction
Murder in Britain in the nineteenth century was rare. But murder as sensation and entertainment became ubiquitous, transformed into novels, into broadsides and ballads, into theatre and melodrama and opera―even into puppet shows and performing dog-acts. Detective fiction and England's new police force developed in parallel, each imitating the other―the pioneers of Scotland Yard gave rise to Dickens's Inspector Bucket, the first fictional police detective, who in turn influenced Sherlock Holmes and, ultimately, even P.D. James and Patricia Cornwell.
In this fascinating book, Judith Flanders retells the gruesome stories of many different types of murder―both famous and obscure―from the crimes (and myths) of Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper to the tragedies of the murdered Marr family in London's East End; Burke and Hare and their bodysnatching business in Edinburgh; and Greenacre, who transported his dismembered fiancée around town by omnibus. With an irresistible cast of swindlers, forgers, and poisoners, the mad, the bad and the dangerous to know, The Invention of Murder is both a gripping tale of crime and punishment, and history at its most readable.
Details
Looking for a captivating read that will transport you back to the intriguing world of Victorian crime? Look no further than The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime by Judith Flanders. This New York Times bestseller dares to explore the dark underbelly of one of history's most fascinating eras.
Step into a world where murder was transformed into entertainment. The Victorians, known for their love of sensation and melodrama, turned shocking crimes into novels, ballads, and even puppet shows. In The Invention of Murder, Flanders delves into the grisly stories that captivated the populace, from the infamous Jack the Ripper to the lesser-known tragedies that unfolded in London's East End. These tales of murder and mayhem will have you on the edge of your seat.
But this book isn't just about the crimes themselves. Flanders expertly weaves in the parallel development of detective fiction and England's pioneering police force. Discover how the pioneers of Scotland Yard influenced the creation of iconic characters like Dickens' Inspector Bucket and the legendary Sherlock Holmes. Through Flanders' meticulous research, you'll gain insights into the birth of detective fiction and its lasting impact on the genre.
With a mesmerizing cast of characters ranging from swindlers to poisoners, The Invention of Murder is a thrilling blend of true crime and history. Flanders brings these stories to life with her impeccable storytelling and sharp wit. Prepare to be enthralled as pages fly by, immersing yourself in the murky world of Victorian crime and punishment.
Don't miss out on this captivating journey through the dark past. Grab your copy of The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime and experience history at its most immersive. Get ready to lose yourself in the chilling tales of murder that changed the face of crime forever. Get your copy now!
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