This fascinating volume reveals the real men – and women – behind some of the most infamous London villains ever to appear in fiction. Fagin, Professor Moriarty, Moll Cutpurse and the notorious 'cracksman' A.J. Raffles were all rooted in the lives and deaths of a litany of real-life criminals, agitators and activists. With a special emphasis on the city that spawned them, this book brings together their stories for the first time, and shows how they were woven into fiction by some of Britain's greatest writers, including Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle. Containing prison escapes, sensational trials, daring art thefts, vicious attacks, roaring boys, black magicians and private detectives, Masters of Crime explores both the real underworld of British crime history, and its fictional counter-parts. It will delight fans of true crime and crime fiction alike.
A long forgotten tale gets a new life as this book reveals the true story of the 18th-century shipwreck cannibalism scandalDuring the fierce winter of 1710, 14 Englishmen had taken refuge on Boon Island, a sparse 100-yard long stretch of rock, without food or adequate shelter, uncertain of when or if they would be rescued. They endured for 24 days. An attempt to escape failed and four men died. Facing starvation, their captain, John Dean, gave the order to butcher and eat a member of the crew. Dean's decision fended off starvation and sustained his crew until rescue. John Dean first emerged an unlikely hero, but soon thereafter an alternative version of events began to circulate. The First Mate painted Dean as a murderous fraudster, tyrant, and an enthusiastic consumer of human flesh. Centering on the scandal that defined him, this book tells the forgotten story of John Dean; criminal, mercenary, gentleman, diplomat, and cannibal.
One of the Best Books of 2020 — Financial Times One of the "Most 2020 Books of 2020" — Washington Post One of the Best Science Books of 2020 — The Times of London One of the Best Science Books of 2020 — The Guardian From ideas and infections to financial crises and fake news, an "utterly timely" look at why the science of outbreaks is the science of modern life These days, whenever anything spreads, whether it's a YouTube fad or a political rumor, we say it went viral. But how does virality actually work? In The Rules of Contagion, epidemiologist Adam Kucharski explores topics including gun violence, online manipulation, and, of course, outbreaks of disease to show how much we get wrong about contagion, and how astonishing the real science is. Why did the president retweet a Mussolini quote as his own? Why do financial bubbles take off so quickly? Why are disinformation campaigns so effective? And what makes the emergence of new illnesses -- such as MERS, SARS, or the coronavirus disease COVID-19 -- so challenging? By uncovering the crucial factors driving outbreaks, we can see how things really spread -- and what we can do about it. Whether you are an author seeking an audience, a defender of truth, or simply someone interested in human social behavior, The Rules of Contagion is an essential guide to modern life.
During the Victorian era, industrial and economic growth led to a phenomenal rise in productivity and invention. That spirit of creativity and ingenuity was reflected in the massive expansion in scope and complexity of many scientific disciplines during this time, with subjects evolving rapidly and the creation of many new disciplines. The subject of mathematics was no exception and many of the advances made by mathematicians during the Victorian period are still familiar today; matrices, vectors, Boolean algebra, histograms, and standard deviation were just some of the innovations pioneered by these mathematicians. This book constitutes perhaps the first general survey of the mathematics of the Victorian period. It assembles in a single source research on the history of Victorian mathematics that would otherwise be out of the reach of the general reader. It charts the growth and institutional development of mathematics as a profession through the course of the 19th century in England, Scotland, Ireland, and across the British Empire. It then focuses on developments in specific mathematical areas, with chapters ranging from developments in pure mathematical topics (such as geometry, algebra, and logic) to Victorian work in the applied side of the subject (including statistics, calculating machines, and astronomy). Along the way, we encounter a host of mathematical scholars, some very well known (such as Charles Babbage, James Clerk Maxwell, Florence Nightingale, and Lewis Carroll), others largely forgotten, but who all contributed to the development of Victorian mathematics.
All across Orwick, in places secreted away from prying eyes and ears, treacherous questions are being whispered by those who still remember the old ways: What ever happened to the people from those old legends? The ones said to be Tara’s chosen, and able to do the impossible? Those ‘Touched by Fire’? Eurielle Reid needs to find the answer. Sullivan is dead. Taking with him what little he might have known about her life before being found in the woods thirteen years ago. Now, with memories of a past life that are hazy at best, scraps of myth from old books, and a cryptic warning to leave her island home, Eurielle must set out to find the truth. About her people. About the day she was found. And about the past Sullivan Byrne had been running from. But what happens when the Eurielle’s best chance at finding those answers wants her dead? Aiden Donaldas has worked for years to keep The Beacon safe. The work being done inside its walls is unmatched anywhere else on Orwick. Science, technology, and medicine have all advanced beyond what anyone thought was possible. But those who would oppose these advancements and threaten the safety of the people he has sworn to protect are growing bolder. And now Eurielle Reid could provide them with a means to end everything The Beacon stands for. As unseen forces pull Eurielle and Aiden into a conflict neither of them could have anticipated, they will be forced to decide just how far they are willing to go to protect the people they care about…
These imaginative stories, aimed at children and ideally enjoyed by the whole family, will make you think, laugh, cry and keep you entertained throughout. The stories range from the delightful tale of a pair of pants that walk away into the city to the charming ballad of Santas sheepdog to the fantastic yarn in which snow angels become real. The stories are all very short and meant to be enjoyed and read quickly for a true entertaining experience. There are stories of leprechauns, pandas, talking trees and the four seasons. Youll witness a rainstorm of cats and dogs and a singing contest held to be the princes bride. Prepare yourself to be entertained. Celebrate a day of peace and have yourself a slice of Blue Sky Pie. Meet the Pumpkinman on Halloween. Theyre all waiting for you and welcome you with open arms.
Living on a canal barge near the London Zoo, veterinarian's children Tom and Sophie share an exciting adventure when a bag filled with snakes is dumped at the zoo gates, prompting them to learn about the trade in illegal animals. Original.
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