True crime tales from this ancient British city and tourist spot—photos included.

Take a journey through centuries of local crime and conspiracy, meeting villains of all sorts along the way—cut-throats and poisoners, murderous lovers, assassins, prostitutes and suicides. Among the many tales of wickedness and despair the author records in this fascinating book are:

- Robbery and revenge in Roman times

- The brutal uncertainties of Bath in the dark ages

- The highwaymen, gamblers, and duelists of the Georgian period

- The Victorian underworld and its notorious cases of prostitution, infanticide, and murder

- Outbreaks of mob violence

- Political corruption

Kirsten Elliott's chronicle of the history the town would prefer to forget is compelling reading for anyone who is interested in the dark side of human nature.