The latter half of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth ushered in the beginnings of the modern world. But for all the positive developments - the scientific, political and technological advancements - it was also a time when a darker side of our society had its origins: organised crime.
In this fascinating new book, acclaimed crime writer James Morton chronicles the early years of Gangland culture. It was an era filled with remarkable characters - on both sides of the Atlantic: Marm Mandelbaum, the Queen of New York receivers, and 'General' Abe Sheedy, who ran a nationwide gang of pickpockets; Harry 'The Valet' Thomas, who stole the Duchess of Sutherland's jewels; and 'The Emperor' Adam Worth, the man who stole - but could not sell - the painting of the Duchess of Devonshire, and who became the model for Conan Doyle's Moriarty.
Meticulously researched and highly readable, this book explores the origins of organised crime - the foundations on which the Krays and the Mafia would build their underworld empires.
