McLynn provides the first comprehensive view of crime and its consequences in the eighteenth century: why was England notorious for violence? Why did the death penalty prove no deterrent? Was it a crude means of redistributing wealth? `(Frank McLynn's) grasp of his subject is masterly, his arguments are lucid, and his research daunting.' - The Times

`Scholarly, sensible and acute ... McLynn's book is the most valuable contribution to the history of crime and punishment ...' - Christopher Hibbert, The Sunday Times

`Comprehensive view of crime and its consequences in 18th-century England.'' - British Book News

` ... the author has been assiduous in his research and produced an absorbing and alarming study of a society in disarray.' - Peter Parker, The Listener