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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... words on my account . I at once went and asked for an explanation ; but it was useless , and he did not consent to fight until I had given him , in the presence of witnesses , the lowest humiliation . The rendezvous was set for the next ...
... words brought back all my fears , for from the way they were pronounced I saw that the mayor had not taken my story literally . Nevertheless , I accepted his kind offer , but after supper , as we were going to the barn , I cried with ...
... words , you do what you're told . That's all one to me ; as true as my name's Clair Raoul , I can swear to you that ... word , I don't fail ; one either has honour or he hasn't . Besides , to prove that my intentions aren't bad , you ...