The Secret Language of Crime: Vocabulum or the Rogue's Lexicon. Containing as well as a glossary of terms used by gamblers, billiard players, stock brockers and pugilists

Compiled from the most authentic sources by George W. Matsell (former Chief of Police, New York City).

ISBN 10: 0872432289 / ISBN 13: 9780872432284

Published by Templegate Publisher, Springfield, Il., 1997

About this Item

Pbk, 202p. First published in 1859. 'The comprehensive dictionary to which novelists and historians turn to make the streets of 19th Century America come alive.' p508 / m8046.

Seller Inventory # 008046

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Secret Language of Crime: Vocabulum or the Rogue's Lexicon. Containing as well as a glossary of terms used by gamblers, billiard players, stock brockers and pugilists
• Publisher: Templegate Publisher, Springfield, Il.
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0872432289
• ISBN 13: 9780872432284
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

About this title

Synopsis

American law-enforcement pioneer GEORGE WASHINGTON MATSELL (1811–1877) modernized police procedures and became the first commissioner of the New York City Police Department after its formation in 1844. He also created this astonishing little book, first published in 1859, which may well be one of the most extraordinary guides to a subculture ever written. Here, Matsell collects and defines the deceptive jargon of criminals, cutpurses, and other ne’er-do-well coves of mid-19th-century New York City. Originally intended as an aide to those who followed the police news in the New York, this charming throwback will delight historians, armchair linguists, readers of crime fiction, and anyone who takes pleasure in the stunning diversity and adaptability of the English language.