Overview

""The Prince of Pickpockets"" is a compelling biographical study of George Barrington, perhaps the most notorious and sophisticated thief of the late eighteenth century. Author Richard S. Lambert delves into the life of a man who moved effortlessly between the underworld and the upper echelons of Georgian society, utilizing his natural charm and wit to maintain a facade of respectability while orchestrating daring thefts at the theater, the opera, and royal functions. The narrative meticulously reconstructs the atmosphere of 1700s London, tracing Barrington's career from his Irish origins to his status as a legendary figure in the annals of English crime. Lambert explores the fascination the public held for this ""gentleman thief,"" whose trials at the Old Bailey became sensational events. The book also follows the second act of Barrington's life: his eventual capture and transportation to the penal colony of Australia. In the burgeoning settlement of New South Wales, the former pickpocket underwent a remarkable transformation, rising to a position of civic authority as a high constable. ""The Prince of Pickpockets"" provides a vivid window into the complexities of social class, the harshness of the eighteenth-century justice system, and the remarkable adaptability of a man who left an indelible mark on both British and Australian history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

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9781025922447

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