30 days refund guarantee
When you buy a used copy YOU SAVE
1.15Kg of CO2
144 litre(s) of Water
0.0086 Tree(s)
1 book donated to global literacy projects
Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844
Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844
paperback
Published:
26 May, 2011
paperback
Published:
26 May, 2011
FREE Delivery by
Thu, April 9 - Fri, April 10
Order within
0
Eligible for Express Delivery by
Wed, April 8
Order within
0
Condition:
USED
£2.81
RRP
£8.99
You save £6.18 (69%)
Available
2
in stock
FREE Returns within 30 days
Popular Books by Nicholas Foulkes
View All Books by Nicholas Foulkes
Description
This is a tale of money, gambling and sporting obsession; of rogues and rascals, outrageous criminality, aristocratic complacency, and a gripping investigation to expose the most audacious sporting plot of the age. In the early 1840s, Britain was the gambling capital of Europe and the Epsom Derby was attracting countless spectators and many millions of pounds in wagers. It was a time of frenzied speculation, high stakes and low morals. But as the unprincipled Regency era gave way to the high-mindedness of the Victorian period, reformers decided it was time to challenge the murky world of illegal gambling and in 1844, launched the far-reaching Parliamentary Enquiry. When the Derby of the same year ended in chaos, with the two favourite horses doped, the Turf's most dedicated follower and greatest tyrant Lord George Bentinck, took it upon himself to uncover the truth of what happened that day, which led to one of the most sensational court cases of the 19th century. A compelling detective story peopled with low-life aristocrats and high-minded reformers, GENTLEMEN AND BLACKGUARDS paints a rich picture of early Victorian society, bringing to light an overlooked turning point in British history.
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9780753824757 |
| ISBN10 | 0753824752 |
| Number Of Pages | 288 |
| Item Weight | 240 g |
| Product Dimensions | 128 x 12 x 198 mm |
| Publisher / Reseller | Phoenix |
| Format | paperback |
See More +
Media Reviews
'Foulkes tells the murky story with characteristic panache.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'Fascinating' CATHOLIC HERALD 'The book not only concerns itself with the Derby ... along the way, there are murky tales of illegal gaming houses, prize fighting, murder, suicide and duelling.' SOUTH WALES ARGUS
Author's Bio
Formerly Associate Editor of the EVENING STANDARD's ES magazine, Nicholas Foulkes writes regularly for the FINANCIAL TIMES, COUNTRY LIFE and the MAIL ON SUNDAY's 'Night and Day'.