Memoirs of Vidocq: Master of CrimeAK Press, 2003 - 370 pages Criminal exploits, secret agent intrigue, and clever -disguises fill the pages of Francois Eugene Vidocq's memoirs. A legendary figure in history, Vidocq is known as the first detective and an inspiration to great writers such as Honore de Balzac, Victor Hugo and Edgar Allen Poe. As a player in the criminal underworld, Vidocq is a master of disguises and an accomplished thief, eventually turning his unlawful talents toward catching criminals as the first French chief of secret police. Playing both sides of the law, Vidocq's life highlights the blurry line between law enforcement and the criminals they pursue. Vidocq has a knack for finding trouble throughout his topsy-turvy life, getting into one hot situation after another, often finding himself behind bars, only to escape the first chance he gets. This book will take you on a whirlwind tour of 1830s France, including the circus stage, pirate ships, prison cells and beautiful women's boudoirs. Vidocq's life story is unforgettable and includes some of the best crime stories and juicy tales ever written. Last year, Gerard Depardieu starred in the French film adaptation of the memoirs, -titled Vidocq. "He preferred the tumultuous life of danger to the contentment of security. His story is one long swashbuckling adventure as he breaks out of jails, pursues actresses, duels to the death, raids the hells of criminals and stalks the Paris night in a thousand disguises."--Philip John Stead, Vidocq, Picaroon of Crime |
À l'intérieur du livre
Résultats 1-3 sur 88
... appearance and the interest which a young man always inspires . While I was walking along preoccupied with this idea ... appeared to me in my dreams , my heavy eyes saw a forest of masts , and I heard the cry of the watch reserved only ...
... appeared a little confused at the meeting , but they soon recovered and showed a friendly surprise at finding me a private . When I explained how the disbanding of the drafts had made me lose my rank , the ' lieutenant - colonel ...
... appeared on deck . He was a man of forty , of good appearance , with none of that brusqueness of manner so com- mon with seamen . He listened to my protest kindly , which was all he could do , as he could not change the naval ...
Table des matières
Aid My Old Enemies | 136 |
A Peace of Mind Soon Lost | 143 |
Good Intentions Come to Naught | 151 |
Droits d'auteur | |
14 autres sections non affichées