'Extracts from 'The New and Complete Newgate Calendar', Vol. 1' Summary

'Extracts from 'The New and Complete Newgate Calendar', Vol. 1' offers a detailed look at the criminal justice system of early 18th-century Britain, using authentic records and contemporary accounts. The book is divided into chapters covering different crimes, featuring narratives of trials, the accused, and their lives. It covers a range of offenses, including murder, theft, highway robbery, and fraud. The stories highlight the social context of crime, the motivations behind criminal activity, and the legal procedures of the time. Readers encounter infamous individuals like the notorious criminal Jack Sheppard, whose daring escapes and exploits fascinated the public. The text provides valuable insights into the social dynamics of the era, the fear of crime, and the public's fascination with the lives and trials of notorious individuals.