Real George Barrington, The?: Adventures of a Notorious London Pickpocket, later Head Constable of the Infant Colony of New South Wales

George Barrington became famous in late 18th century England as an incorrigible pickpocket. It is uncertain if his skills were exceptional-he was repeatedly caught. We do not, of course, know how often he succeeded without being detected. However, the basis of his fame rested on his gentlemanly pretensions and his remarkable ability to sway juries. His last conviction came in 1790, after which he was deported to Botany Bay where he flourished. Ms. Box’s carefully researched biography supplants the earlier very creditable biography by Richard Lambert (Prince of Pickpockets, 1930). She carefully disposes of myths and builds a believable picture of Barrington as well as crime and criminal justice of the age. pp. 172 iilusts #1217