The Scoundrel Harry Larkyns and his Pitiless Killing by the Photographer Eadweard Muybridge - Rebecca Gowers

SHORTLISTED FOR THE HWA NON-FICTION CROWNDiamond thief, guerrilla fighter, spy, decorated hero, bohemian rogue and lover of several notorious women - all describe Major Harry Larkyns. Yet he has long been dismissed as merely a liar and a cheat, famous only for being shot dead in 1874 by the unnerving photographer Eadweard Muybridge. But has history properly understood either the killer or his victim? Part biography, part crime investigation, THE SCOUNDREL HARRY LARKYNS uncovers some extraordinary truths, and is historical detective work at its finest.'One of the best books of the year' Irish Times'Strange, brilliant, quirky and illuminating' Country Life'A story that is as eventful as it is tragic' Guardian'A masterpiece of historical detective work' Keith Lowe