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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Author Peter Seddon gives life to over five centuries of bizarre, macabre and sometimes hilarious criminal cases. You'll be gripped by tales of murder, intrigue, crime, punishment and the pursuit of justice. Despite how unbelievable the stories banged up inside these pages may seem, Law's Strangest Cases promises to tell the truth, the whole truthand nothing but the truth about the most ludicrous criminal cases in legal history. Full of riotous and entertaining stories, this book is perfect for anyone who is doing time on a long stretch. Just don't try to steal it, or you may end up inside! Inside you'll encounter: * The only dead parrot ever to give evidence in a court of law * One of the most indigestible dilemmas - if you'd been shipwrecked 2,000 miles from home, would you have eaten Parker the cabin boy? * The doctor with the worst bedside manner of all time * The murderess who collected money from her mummified victim for 21 years Word count: 45,000
About the Author
Peter Seddon is a well-known and highly experienced author, responsible for numerous titles including three books in the successful Strangest... series. Other publications include Football Talk, A Football Companion and The Little Book of Derby County, as well as a comprehensive biography of Derby County legend Steve Bloomer (Peter is a lifelong Rams fan).
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A lawyer friend give me this book for Christmas and I simply cannot recommend it highly enough for its sheer entertainment.
Now, it is fair to say that, as I come from a legal family, I probably have more insight than many into some of the contents but, quite frankly, I feel that, for sheer amusement value, this book is hard to beat. It is the kind of volume that one places in the bathroom for the delectation of guests knowing that it will not only keep them well entertained, but also cheer their day considerably. Had I found it in this manner, I would most certainly have asked my host to loan it to me!
Anyway, to the substance of the book. It consists of a motley selection of cases dating back over centuries and includes not only the hilarious but also the curious. Interestingly enough, it starts with the trial of Christ. Peter Seddon writes in an engaging and amusing style which demonstrates a clear eye for an unusual turn of phrase and his description of the judiciary and varied appellants and defendents had me howling with laughter at times.
I have a number of favourite cases. The libel case involving Liberace, for example, was hugely amusing and Seddon's writing brought a sense of immediacy to the story - quite frankly, I have rarely laughed so much and the book would have been worth buying for this alone. One should not, however, forget the story of the cats who ate their kindly owner after her demise and the extraordinarily petty cases that came to no less a place than the Old Bailey (The shocking Affair of the Rolled up Umbrella). Shipman even gets a look in - as does a rather interesting predecessor.
Why only four stars? Well this is because I felt that I would have liked some longer cases in the book to "get my teeth into", so to speak. As it is, each one only lasts a few pages. I think that this has something to do with my preference for substantial chunks of meat when it comes to literature rather than mere tasty morsels.
In summary, I can heartily recommend this book. Bought for yourself or as a gift, it simply cannot fail to delight. You will also never be short of a good story to tell at a dinner party when the conversation hits a lull.
Now, it is fair to say that, as I come from a legal family, I probably have more insight than many into some of the contents but, quite frankly, I feel that, for sheer amusement value, this book is hard to beat. It is the kind of volume that one places in the bathroom for the delectation of guests knowing that it will not only keep them well entertained, but also cheer their day considerably. Had I found it in this manner, I would most certainly have asked my host to loan it to me!
Anyway, to the substance of the book. It consists of a motley selection of cases dating back over centuries and includes not only the hilarious but also the curious. Interestingly enough, it starts with the trial of Christ. Peter Seddon writes in an engaging and amusing style which demonstrates a clear eye for an unusual turn of phrase and his description of the judiciary and varied appellants and defendents had me howling with laughter at times.
I have a number of favourite cases. The libel case involving Liberace, for example, was hugely amusing and Seddon's writing brought a sense of immediacy to the story - quite frankly, I have rarely laughed so much and the book would have been worth buying for this alone. One should not, however, forget the story of the cats who ate their kindly owner after her demise and the extraordinarily petty cases that came to no less a place than the Old Bailey (The shocking Affair of the Rolled up Umbrella). Shipman even gets a look in - as does a rather interesting predecessor.
Why only four stars? Well this is because I felt that I would have liked some longer cases in the book to "get my teeth into", so to speak. As it is, each one only lasts a few pages. I think that this has something to do with my preference for substantial chunks of meat when it comes to literature rather than mere tasty morsels.
In summary, I can heartily recommend this book. Bought for yourself or as a gift, it simply cannot fail to delight. You will also never be short of a good story to tell at a dinner party when the conversation hits a lull.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a law student it puts a light funny side to the heavy reading of cases. Would recommend for any would be lawyer.
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A friend of mine brought me this book and I must say it does prove an interesting read for anyone with or without a legal background.
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