London and its Criminals
Lucas, Netley [Netley Lucas (c.1903 - 1940) was an English confidence trickster and writer].
(Book #ID 97508)
Published by Williams & Norgate Ltd., 14 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London First Edition 1926. 1926.
First edition hard back binding in publisher's original burnt orange cloth covers, black title and author lettering to the spine. 8vo. 7½'' x 5¼''. Lucas was a con man who charmed his way through London high society in the early 20th century, using multiple false names and personas. Between 1917 and 1924, he was taken to court five times. After 1924, the self-called "aristocrat of crooks" claimed to have become a reformed character, and turned to writing. He boasted, "journalism is the only honest profession for which a criminal life is a good training". After writing for newspapers, he wrote six books in three years, beginning with 'The Autobiography of a Crook', which became a best-seller. Contains [xiv] 281 printed pages of text. Spine sun faded, light mottling to the covers and in Good condition, no dust wrapper. Member of the P.B.F.A.
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