Editions

The First Detective

The First Detective

  • The Life and Revolutionary Times of Vidocq

Eugene Vidocq was the Morse, the Guv'nor, the James Bond of his day. A notorious criminal and prison escaper, he turned police officer and employed a gang of ex-convicts as his detectives. Now, James Morton takes us on a historical romp through the 18th century in search of this elusive figure.

Today Vidocq's influence can still be seen as members of The Vidocq Society, an unusual, exclusive crime-solving organization honor him by applying their collective forensic skills and experience to 'cold case' homicides and unsolved deaths.

Reviews

  • You really must read ... The First Detective: the extraordinary life and times of a career-criminal

    Sunday Times

  • Morton has done Vidocq a service by removing him from his unfair tabloid image and giving him his due as an important social innovator

    Sunday Times

  • Entertaining

    Sunday Telegraph

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About the Author

James Morton

James Morton was runner-up on Great British Bake Off 2012 and loved for his uniquely creative approach to baking. He published his first book, Brilliant Bread, in 2013 which won the Guild of Food Writer's Award for Best Cookery Book the following year. Now a qualified medical doctor, James combines imagination and chemistry, applying an evidence-based approach to baking to dispell unnecessary baking myths, concoct foolproof recipes, develop original techniques and help as many people as possible become better and confident bakers. His books are the new classics for the home kitchen and essential to every baker's collection.

James Morton

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