Bandits

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Description

A study of the social bandit or bandit-rebel - robbers and outlaws who are not regarded by public opinion as simple criminals, but rather as champions of social justice, as avengers or as primitive resistance fighters. Whether Balkan haiduks, Indian dacoits or Brazilian congaceiros, their spectacular exploits have been celebrated and preserved in story and myth. Some are only known to their fellow countrymen; others, like Rob Roy, Robin Hood and Jesse James, are famous throughout the world. First published in 1969, "Bandits" inspired a new field of historical study: bandit history. This substantially extended and revised new edition appears at a time when the disintegration of state power has reintroduced fertile conditions for banditry to flourish once again in many parts of the world.

Reviews

'An utterly fascinating book' NEW YORKER 'A dazzling historical squib, fizzing with ideas and strange stories' GUARDIAN 'A wise as well as an exciting book, a very valuable addition to the history of mentalities and to that of popular protest ... this is human history at its very best' TLS

Author Bio

Hobsbawm was born in Egypt in 1917 & educated in Vienna, Berlin, London & Cambridge. A Fellow of the British Academy & the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, with honorary degrees from universities in several countries. He is the well-known author of AGE OF REVOLUTION 1789-1848, THE AGE OF CAPITAL 1848-1875 etc