The First Detective: The Life and Revolutionary Times of Vidocq

(Paperback)

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A major new historical biography of the influential criminal spy and private detective Eugene Vidocq Eugene Vidocq was the Morse, the Guv'nor, the James Bond of his day. A notorious criminal and prison escaper, he turned police officer and employed a gang of ex-convicts as his detectives. Now, James Morton takes us on a historical romp through the 18th century in search of this elusive figure. Today Vidocq's influence can still be seen as members of The Vidocq Society, an unusual, exclusive crime-solving organization honor him by applying their collective forensic skills and experience to 'cold case' homicides and unsolved deaths.

Reviews

You really must read ... The First Detective: the extraordinary life and times of a career-criminal * Sunday Times *
Morton has done Vidocq a service by removing him from his unfair tabloid image and giving him his due as an important social innovator * Sunday Times *
Entertaining * Sunday Telegraph *

Author Bio

Previously a solicitor for twenty-five years, James Morton then worked as editor of Law Journal and Criminal Lawyer. He is now a full-time writer and author of the bestselling Gangland series.