While I suppose it still goes on in some quarters this is fascinating to see how they got away with their tricks and hustles so many times. This gives an interesting insight Into these chancer’s who live on the edge purely for self-gain with no compunction for the people they swindled.

Most just couldn’t help themselves. Some were given multiple chances by their families and the law, across all class divides.

The stories of one who was well educated, came from a titled family in England and yet continually swindled and stole, managed to talk his way out of situations including with the magistrates and judges is fascinating. He was incarcerated in gaols and prison hulks in Britain before being transported to the penal colony of New South Wales not once, but thee times. Each time he managed to get back to England, quite legally and in prestigious roles. He was given many more chances and yet still made a mess of things for him and his family.

There’s an interesting story of a soldier who called himself a war hero when he had hardly seen real fighting action yet concocted stories for gain after the war, but he was soon found out.

Or the story of another soldier who just could not conform to army rules and regulations in World War I, is particularly interesting. He continually went absent without leave (AWOL), was disobedient, insubordinate, frustrated his superiors and I should imagine his fellow soldiers, but the kicker is, he was a real hero and honoured with the Victoria Cross for bravery.

Find out about the extraordinary events surrounding Prince Alfred’s visit to the colonies.

While starting in 1788 it carries through to modern day. It is a throughly good and entertaining read.

This is independent review, I am not paid by the publishers, so.If you Liked this review, Buy me a coffee

GET YOUR COPY FROM:

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN THESE BOOKS