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 |
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... Arras at that ! I sent Father Godard packing , and at once took my way toward my natal city whose belfry soon appeared in sight . I arrived at the foot of the ramparts before the gates closed , but I shuddered at the thought of the ...
... Arras . While I went astray , the noise of hobnailed boots announced that the two sergeants had pursued me . Soon they arrived sword in hand . I had no arms . I seized the large house - key , as if it were a pistol , and , pre- tending ...
... Arras . It was four o'clock in the morning ; a baker was heating his oven , and he dried my clothes and furnished me some food . When I had recovered , I went my way and headed toward Duisans , where there lived a widow of a former ...