Dive into the captivating tales of 'Christchurch Crimes and Scandals 1876-99,' authored by esteemed historian Geoffrey Rice. This brand new paperback, with 260 pages of intriguing narratives, uncovers the thrilling and often dark history of Christchurch during the Victorian era. From the infamous Boxing Day Riot of 1879 to the sensational Severed Hand Mystery of 1885, this book immerses you in the city's past like no other. Explore the lives of notorious citizens, including the deceitful preacher Arthur Bently Worthington and the enigmatic photographer Eden George, as Rice uncovers a plethora of crimes ranging from murder to fraud. Each chapter delves into detailed accounts drawn from 19th-century newspaper court reports, bringing to light the actions and judgments of judges and magistrates as they addressed a variety of lawbreakers—from drunkards and prostitutes to forgers and murderers. With stunning visuals, including a rare photograph of a crime scene, this historical gem promises an engaging reading experience that blends storytelling with rigorous historical research. Perfect for history enthusiasts and true crime fans alike, 'Christchurch Crimes and Scandals 1876-99' stands as a testament to the complex and intriguing criminal legacy of New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy prompt delivery, with no unexpected import charges or customs duties, as this item is in stock locally in NZ. Combine shipping for an even better deal and dive deep into the fascinating world of Christchurch's criminal past.

CONDITION: Brand New

Pages: 260
Bind: paperback
Author: Geoffrey Rice Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Publication Date: 20-11-2013

The Boxing Day Riot of 1879 when a parade of Orange Lodge members was attacked by a mob of Irish Catholic navvies swinging axe-handles, a slander case involving one of the city's richest merchants, the famous Severed Hand Mystery of 1885 ... Following on from his first volume, Christchurch Crimes 1850-1875: SCandal and Skulduggery in Port and Town, historian Geoffrey Rice presents another fascinating collection of Christchurch crimes and scandals drawn from nineteenth-century newspaper court reports, this time covering the later Victorian period from 1876-1899.
We meet some of the city's most notoirous citizens of the period, such as the photographer Eden George, and the preacher-fraudster Arthur Bently Worthington, who caused the one and only reading of the Riot Act in Christchurch. The Opawa axe murder of 1897 includes a rare photograph of the body.
Magistrates and judges had to deal with a procession of society's law-breakers passing through their courts, from apologetic drunks and brazen prostitutes, shifty forgers and brutal thugs, rapists and arsonists, bigamists and embezzlers to desperate women charged with manslaughter or murder. The defence lawyers were often faced with a difficult task, yet Christchurch in this period had several highly skilled courtroom lawyers who knew how to persuade a jury.
The author's easy-to-read story-telling style and genuine enthusiasm for and knowledge of his subject bring to life another rich, colourful and intriguing chapter from the city's past.

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