The First Detective
  • Published: 5 June 2012
  • ISBN: 9780091945060
  • Imprint: Ebury Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $30.00
Categories:

The First Detective

The Life and Revolutionary Times of Vidocq

Formats & editions
EBook
3 May 2013
Paperback
5 Jun 2012
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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.
  • Published: 5 June 2012
  • ISBN: 9780091945060
  • Imprint: Ebury Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $30.00
Categories:

About the author

James Morton

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.

portrait photo of James Morton

Also by James Morton

How Baking Works
Brilliant Bread
Gangland: The Lawyers
Gangster Speak
Mad Frank's Diary
Mad Frank's Britain
Mad Frank's Underworld History of Britain
See all

Praise for The First Detective

Entertaining

Sunday Telegraph

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

You really must read ... The First Detective: the extraordinary life and times of a career-criminal

Sunday Times