Con Men and Cutpurses_ Scenes From the Hogarthian Underworld - Classic Text | Alexandria
Lucy Moore's "Con Men and Cutpurses: Scenes from the Hogarthian Underworld" (2000) stands as a compelling exploration of London's criminal underbelly during the raucous and tumultuous 18th century. This meticulously researched work illuminates the vibrant yet dangerous world immortalized in William Hogarth's satirical engravings, bringing to life the rogues, thieves, and confidence tricksters who populated Georgian London's shadowy corners.
The book draws extensively from contemporary sources, including court records, newspaper accounts, and personal testimonies, to reconstruct an era when crime became a subject of both public fascination and moral panic. Moore's narrative weaves together the stories of notorious figures such as Jonathan Wild, the self-styled "Thief-Taker General" who secretly controlled much of London's criminal enterprise, and Jack Sheppard, whose dramatic prison escapes captured the public imagination and inspired John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera."
Through her vivid portrayal of Hogarthian London, Moore reveals how the period's social upheaval, economic disparities, and urban growth created perfect conditions for criminal innovation and enterprise. The author demonstrates how these historical figures and their exploits influenced not only the literature and art of their time but also shaped modern perceptions of crime and criminality. The book's examination of the complex relationship between law enforcement, criminals, and society offers striking parallels to contemporary discussions about crime, justice, and social order.
Moore's work continues to resonate with scholars and general readers alike, offering insights into how criminal subcultures both reflect and shape broader societal values. The book's enduring significance lies in its ability to bridge academic history with compelling storytelling, making the world of 18th-century London's underworld accessible to modern audiences while maintaining scholarly rigor. Its influence can be seen in contemporary historical crime narratives and academic studies of criminal culture, cementing its place as a key text in the study of historical criminology and social history.