Burke and Hare
Burke and Hare
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Summary
Burke and Hare were suppliers of corpses to the Edinburgh medical establishment in a reign of terror 1827-8. This work throws light on the bodies trade, and features trial reports, confessions, prison records and illustrations.
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Burke and Hare by Alanna Knight
Burke and Hare were infamous suppliers of corpses to the Edinburgh medical establishment in a reign of terror 1827-8. History remembers them as body snatchers, but there is no proof that the pair ever robbed a grave; instead they created fresh corpses by suffocating hand-picked victims. This is just one of the myths exploded by this 'bloody history' featuring trial reports, confessions, prison records and contemporary illustrations. A rich cast of characters includes the pairs' implicated lovers, Helen and Margaret; Professor Knox who received the bodies; and, local victims from 'Daft Jamie' to ageing prostitute Mary Haldane. New light is thrown on the bodies trade through a recent find at The National Archives: a confession from John Bishop - perhaps a copycat 'burker' - who with Thomas Williams was executed for the murder of the 'Italian boy' in 1831.
Alanna Knight is one of Scotland's foremost crime writers. Her many books include the popular Inspector Faro series about a Victorian detective, set in her home city of Edinburgh. She lives round the corner from Dr Knox's address.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781905615131 |
| ISBN 10 | 1905615132 |
| Title | Burke and Hare |
| Author | Alanna Knight |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
| Year published | 2007-06-30 |
| Number of pages | 112 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |