The 18th century has just begun and, with it, a new type of criminal appears on the scene, commonly known as thief-takers. In this London underworld, Jonathan Wild creates an empire that challenges the social and economic fabric and norms of Georgian society.
Having failed as a button-maker, Wild ends up in debtors' prison and there learns the art of crime. Upon release, he turns to the fencing of goods and brothel-keeping, rapidly expanding his activities to include robbery, blackmail, extortion and the running of contraband-eventually becoming England's first mob boss.
This is a compelling tale of overreaching ambition, greed and treachery, love and betrayal. Both an historical account and a romantic adventure, and a salutary warning to those who would defy the authority of the British Crown.
