Memoirs of Vidocq

by Vidocq, Francois Eugene

• ISBN13: 9781902593715
• ISBN10: 1902593715
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-07-01
• Publisher: A K Pr Distribution

Summary

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

Table of Contents

MEMOIRS OF VIDOCQ: MASTER OF CRIME
A Note to the Reader	ix
"Vidocq, Rogue Cop"	xi
I I Begin to Show Promise	1	(17)
II I Meet Adversity in Life and Love	18	(11)
III My Colours Are False	29	(13)
IV I Encounter Thieves and Forgers	42	(11)
V I See Much of Prison Cells	53	(15)
VI Escapes Are In Vain	68	(13)
VII To The Hulks At Brest	81	(11)
VIII I Conceal My Identity	92	(24)
IX Adepts And Cutthroats	116	(10)
X A Nest of Land Pirates	126	(10)
XI I Aid My Old Enemies	136	(7)
XII A Peace of Mind Soon Lost	143	(8)
XIII Good Intentions Come to Naught	151	(9)
XIV The Villainous Past Preys Upon Me	160	(12)
XV A Fugitive Once More	172	(12)
XVI My Début with the Police	184	(8)
XVII Victims of My Craft	192	(12)
XVIII The Nature of My Craft	204	(13)
XIX I Lodge with the Enemy	217	(9)
XX The Clue of the Yellow Curtains	226	(12)
XXI I Avoid Snares	238	(12)
XXII My Renown Increases	250	(14)
XXIII The Clue of the Two Footprints	264	(13)
XXIV I Escape Being Swallowed Up	277	(12)
XXV Our Friends the Enemy	289	(10)
XXVI Important Captures	299	(16)
XXVII The Clue of a Scrap of Paper	315	(13)
XXVIII A Hercules and a Brigand	328	(13)
XXIX Thieves and Robbers	341	(26)
Translator's Notes	367