Overview

Southeast England in the 1740s was not a pleasant place. Foreign wars, rebellion and fractious politics rattled the state and made life difficult for most. In this chaos, the old practice of smuggling reached new and dangerous heights. Violent gangs of smugglers terrorised communities and confounded government attempts to stop them. The most famous of these gangs, the Hawkhurst Gang, operated like a modern-day drug cartel. They threatened witnesses and authorities, brandished their arms in public, and fought battles in the streets. It took a potent combination of new government powers and courageous citizens to finally end their reign. Hawkhurst chronicles the story of the gang by taking the reader deep into the Georgian underworld. Using vivid descriptions of 18th-century life, it explores the swirling menagerie of the tattooed thugs, customs men, political extremists and corrupt politicians involved in the rise and fall of one of England's first mafias. AUTHOR: Joseph Dragovich studied History and Classics at the University of Pittsburgh before studying for a Masters in History in the UK. His dissertation focused on the political economy of 18th-century smuggling. Hawkhurst is his first book. He lives in Cardiff. 16 b/w illustrations

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9780750998895

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New book talks about the Hawkhurst Gang, the original British Mafia. * Daily Express * A fun, easy to read and sometimes horrific account - I would recommed this to anyone who likes any two out of the three of: British tea, English history or smuggling. * Popular history books blog * The most comprehensive account yet of Britain’s most notorious smuggling gang -- Angela Wintle * Sussex Life *

New book talks about the Hawkhurst Gang, the original British Mafia. * Daily Express *

New book talks about the Hawkhurst Gang, the original British Mafia. * Daily Express * A fun, easy to read and sometimes horrific account - I would recommed this to anyone who likes any two out of the three of: British tea, English history or smuggling. * Popular history books blog *

New book talks about the Hawkhurst Gang, the original British Mafia. * Daily Express * A fun, easy to read and sometimes horrific account - I would recommed this to anyone who likes any two out of the three of: British tea, English history or smuggling. * Popular history books blog * The most comprehensive account yet of Britain’s most notorious smuggling gang -- Angela Wintle * Sussex Life * 'Joseph Dragovich has done an outstanding job of unearthing a gem of a subject for true crime fans and history buffs alike. Meticulously researched with a brisk writing style that does not allow you to put the book down. It should be made into a television series.' -- Louis Ferrante * Bestselling crime author and broadcaster *

Author Information

Joseph Dragovich studied History and Classics at the University of Pittsburgh before studying for a Masters in History in the UK. His dissertation focused on the political economy of 18th-century smuggling. Hawkhurst is his first book. He lives in Cardiff.

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