The Thieves' Opera: The Mesmerizing Story of Two-Notorious Criminals in Eighteenth-Century London

by Lucy Moore

Book Overview

Georgian London was a city of extraordinary contrast: its elegance and refinement thrived amid appalling filth and foul smells, decadence and depravity. Crime was everywhere, from pickpockets and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151003645
• ISBN13: 9780151003648
• Release Date: August 1998
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.6" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

great fun!

If you love England and it's history, you'll really enjoy this book. It's so inexpensive 'used', go for it, what have you got to lose. I read it when it was just released and have never forgotten it. wish i could find my original copy to display in my "library", ...that should tell you something.

Crime and Punishment

Lucy Moore, in The Thieves' Opera, has explored an interesting topic that takes the reader through the world of London from the slums to, on occasion, the mansions. Using the characters of Jonathan Wild and the folk hero/criminal Jack Sheppard, the author expands the narrative to show the entire world of crime and punishment that existed at this time. Very little seemed, at times, to separate those committing the crimes from those prosecuting the criminals and it is easy to see why Jack Sheppard, with his numerous escapes, could become such a hero in such a corrupt system. The story is told in a way that leads the reader from the beginnings of a system that would lead to crime to the execution of the criminal. The two lead criminals sometimes fall by the wayside in their own story but interest is maintained nonetheless by looking at the larger canvas. An interesting read.

History has never been this enjoyable!

This fabulously written historical account is put together so well, you forget you're actually getting a history lesson. As a historical romance writer who is often looking to devour books on certain subjects, I find it very difficult to find books that portray history in a vivid manner which makes it easy to swallow several years of history in one sitting without pausing to think 'what in heck is this person talking about?'. The most wonderful aspect of this book on 'criminal' subjects of the 18th century, is that Lucy Moore (the author, of course!) weaves history through the means of beautiful, but simple story telling. And what this means for anyone picking up this book is that history not only can be finally understood, but also re-lived.

Great Expectations

A great book, with great art. Can't wait to see what Ms. Moore tackles next.

Good historical writing

Too many historians forget how to write good stories, if they ever learned. Lucy Moore writes excellent history precisely because she tells a story well.