The mesmerizing story of two notorious criminals in 18th-century London--Jonathan Wild and Jack Sheppard--"The Thieves' Opera" is an eminently readable work of popular history that blends meticulous scholarship with the best of the storyteller's art. Engravings.

Georgian London, bulging with riches from its overseas colonies, was the epitome of elegance & refinement -- & a city of appalling depravity, decadence, & filth. Crime thrived everywhere, from pickpockets & prostitutes to murderous highwaymen. This is the story of a city on the verge of greatness, & of its two greatest criminals: Jonathan Wild, thief extraordinaire, & Jack Sheppard, gambler & whoremonger. As they reached folk-hero status, London was forced to check their escapades, no small task in a city overrun with vicious acts of horrific magnitude. Lucy Moore's riveting account of crime & punishment in 18th-century London paints a vivid portrait of an era, a place, & characters confounding the modern imagination. Illustrations.

Covering a broad range of styles, this comprehensive volume includes entries for more than 450 operas that have been performed over the last four centuries. Organized from A to Z for easy reference, it's a complete guide that's certain to inform and entertain any opera buff. 500 photos.