Villains' Paradise: A History of Britain's Underworld

Donald Thomas' book is a good read for anyone interested in the history of British crime. From the petty criminals to the organized gangs, it's all here in gritty, vivid detail. In the day's before HI-TECH spy cameras and electronic detectors, your average British thief had a somewhat easy time of it. A chance for a "cuppa" in between the break-ins and wage snatches. Of particular interest in the book, is the section that charts the creation of the "spiv" or black marketeer during WWII and after. You see unlike everyone else,the British people suffered under food and other shortages right into 1954. No wonder crime flourished in the Kingdom, just to be able to get some sugar and chocolate if nothing else. Infamous gangs like the Kray's and Richardson's are included. Police corruption, oh yes even in good old blighty is fully exposed. Prostitution and pornography, illegal gambling, art thefts and frauds, there's something for everyone here. Not just the criminal perspective but the social and economic one as well. It was a time when the police really knew the criminals. When safe blowers and getaway drivers took pride in their work and usually surrendered quietly when caught. It was clubs and pickaxe handles rather than guns. A code or understanding between the good guys and the bad guys. Unlike today, where the real master criminals are all highly calculated and corporate.