Colonel Blood by David C. Hanrahan. The Man who Stole the Crown Jewels

VINTAGESTAN BOOKS
Title: Colonel Blood by David C. Hanrahan. The Man who Stole the Crown Jewels
Summary: David C. Hanrahan’s 2003 book is a biography of Thomas Blood (c.1618–1680), an Irish-born adventurer, soldier, spy and criminal who became famous for attempting to steal the English Crown Jewels. 
Blood lived during the turbulent period of the English Civil Wars and the Restoration of Charles II. He initially fought for the Royalists but later switched sides and served with Oliver Cromwell’s forces. His military and political activities also became connected with espionage. 
After the Restoration, Blood lost much of the position and property he had gained. He became increasingly hostile towards the authorities and was involved in a plot to kidnap James Butler, Duke of Ormond, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The attempt failed, forcing Blood to flee and live in hiding for a period. He later returned to England. 
The most famous episode of his life occurred in 1671, when Blood devised an extraordinary plan to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Disguised as a respectable clergyman, he gained the confidence of Talbot Edwards, the keeper of the jewels. Blood and his accomplices then attacked Edwards and attempted to escape with the Crown, sceptre and other regalia. He was captured, but the remarkable part of the story was what happened next: King Charles II pardoned him rather than having him executed. 
Hanrahan is particularly interested in the mystery surrounding Blood's motives and his unexpected pardon. Was Blood simply a daring criminal, an Irish rebel opposed to authority, or a spy and double agent whose connections protected him? The book examines the possibility that Blood sometimes worked as an informer and that his knowledge of political and intelligence networks may have helped save his life
Author: David C. Hanrahan
Publisher: Sutton Publishing, Stroud, Gloucestershire
Year Published: 2003
Edition: 1st Edition
Binding type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780750933278
Dimensions: 24cm x 15.5cm 
Notes: 
SKU: VSS / 273 / G / 7674 / 6044
Condition 
Dust Jacket Condition: Very good. Rubbing to edge, handling marks
Book condition: Very good. Handling marks, marks
Binding: Intact
Pages: 212 pages
 
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Postage weight: 750g
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