Burke & Hare

By Terry Newman, Joe Siddons, Rob Crouch

Book Overview

"Burke & Hare" explores one of the most chilling chapters in the history of British crime. Set in the dark, winding alleys of 19th-century Edinburgh, this work recounts the notorious series of murders committed by William Burke and William Hare in 1828. Driven by the demand for anatomical subjects in the city's prestigious medical schools, the duo turned from simple grave robbing to a more direct and deadly method of procuring bodies for dissection.

Through meticulous detail, the narrative examines the social conditions of the West Port district that allowed such atrocities to go unnoticed and the legal proceedings that eventually brought the killers to justice. This account delves into the psychological and societal implications of the crimes, capturing the public's fascination and horror. "Burke & Hare" remains a seminal study of the intersection between medical necessity and moral depravity, offering a grimly fascinating look at a case that forever changed Scottish law and the ethics of medical science. It serves as an essential historical record of a city gripped by fear and the dark side of the Enlightenment.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102532532X
• ISBN13: 9781025325323
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.2"