The history of the London Burkers

A vivid, contemporary record of some of the most shocking murders that haunted early‑19th‑century London, this volume gathers the full account of the notorious “London Burkers” and their grim accomplices. It draws on official trial transcripts, police reports and the criminals’ own confessions, presenting the events that led to the murder of Carlo Ferrari and the later crimes of figures such as Eliza Ross. The narrative is anchored in the bustling atmosphere of the Old Bailey, where the perpetrators faced public scrutiny and ultimate condemnation.

Interleaved with carefully reproduced engravings and portrait sketches, the book also offers concise biographies that explore the backgrounds and motives of each offender. Readers hear the courtroom drama, the stark testimonies, and the moral panic that swept through the city. By combining factual detail with striking visual material, the work provides a compelling glimpse into the criminal justice world of Victorian London.