William Roughead était un avocat écossais et criminologue amateur notable, ainsi qu'un éditeur et essayiste dédié aux "affaires criminelles". Il est reconnu comme le père fondateur du genre littéraire moderne "true crime", façonnant la manière dont les récits de crimes sont explorés dans la littérature.
Featuring twelve classic essays, this collection showcases the work of True Crime pioneer William Roughead, delving into intriguing cases such as "The Fatal Countess" and "Physic and Forgery." Roughead's insightful analysis and captivating storytelling illuminate the darker aspects of human nature and criminal behavior, making this a compelling read for true crime enthusiasts and those interested in the intricacies of historical criminal cases.
Dorothy Sayers called William Roughead "the best showman who ever stood before the door of the chamber of horrors," and his true crime stories, written in the early 1900s, are among the glories of the genre. Displaying a meticulous command of evidence and unerring dramatic flair, Roughead brings to life some of the most notorious crimes and extraordinary trials of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century England and Scotland. Utterly engrossing, these accounts of pre-meditated mayhem and miscarried justice also cast a powerful light on the evil that human beings, and human institutions, find both tempting to contemplate and all too easy to do.
In this engrossing collection of essays, Scottish author William Roughead delves into the dark world of crime and punishment. From the notorious Glengarry murder case to the mysterious disappearance of a young heiress, Roughead's meticulous research and keen eye for detail bring each story to life. Fans of true crime and historical mysteries won't be able to put this book down.
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