HARD MEN The English and Violence since 1750

Softcover. The author examines the history of violence in England over three centuries, challenging the notion of the English as inherently orderly. Drawing on court records, police reports, and cultural sources, Emsley explores interpersonal violence, including domestic abuse, street fights, and public disorder, alongside state responses like policing and penal reforms. He highlights how industrialisation, urbanisation, and social changes influenced patterns of violence, from 18th-century duels to 20th-century gang conflicts. The author argues that perceptions of violence often exaggerated its prevalence, shaping public policy and moral panics. This nuanced study reveals the complex interplay of culture, class, and law. Illus. + Notes and Index. 225pp. trade size soft cover. F. with no creasing to covers. Cover design by Nigel Bradley.