Trial of Deacon Brodie

A meticulously compiled record of one of Scotland’s most infamous criminal cases, this volume brings the 1788 trial of Deacon Brodie to life. The editor weaves together the original court proceedings, vivid witness testimonies, and a host of newly uncovered documents—letters, guild registers, and even a photograph of Brodie’s own lantern—offering listeners a richly textured portrait of a man whose respectable façade masked a daring life of theft.

Beyond the courtroom drama, the book places Brodie within the bustling world of 18th‑century Edinburgh, drawing on contemporary sources to sketch his social circles, family ties, and the public fascination that turned his exploits into legend. The detailed introductions and carefully selected illustrations help set the scene, making the intricate legal arguments accessible while preserving the era’s authentic voice. Listeners will feel as though they are sitting in the gallery, absorbing every objection, testimony, and the palpable tension that defined this historic trial.