Bandits - Softcover

An utterly fascinating book (NEW YORKER)

A dazzling historical squib, fizzing with ideas and strange stories (GUARDIAN)

A wise as well as an exciting book, a very valuable addition to the history of mentalities and to that of popular protest ... this is human history at its very best (TLS)

In an age of narrow specialists, Eric Hobsbawm remains the supreme generalist ... for sheer intelligence he has no superior in the historical profession (Sir Keith Thomas)

BANDITS is a study of the social bandit or bandit-rebel - robbers and outlaws who are not regarded by public opinion as simple criminals, but rather as champions of social justice, as avengers or as primitive resistance fighters. Whether Balkan haiduks, Indian dacoits or Brazilian congaceiros, their spectacular exploits have been celebrated and preserved in story and myth. Some are only know to their fellow countrymen; others like Rob Roy, Robin Hood and Jesse James are famous throughout the world. First published in 1969, Bandits inspired a new field of historical study: bandit history. This substantially extended and revised new edition appears at a time when the disintegration of state power has reintroduced fertile conditions for banditry once again to flourish in many parts of the world.