Book excerpt: True crime tales from this ancient British city and tourist spot—photos included. Take a journey through centuries of local crime and conspiracy, meeting villains of all sorts along the way—cut-throats and poisoners, murderous lovers, assassins, prostitutes and suicides. Among the many tales of wickedness and despair the author records in this fascinating book are: Robbery and revenge in Roman times The brutal uncertainties of Bath in the dark ages The highwaymen, gamblers, and duelists of the Georgian period The Victorian underworld and its notorious cases of prostitution, infanticide, and murder Outbreaks of mob violence Political corruption Kirsten Elliott’s chronicle of the history the town would prefer to forget is compelling reading for anyone who is interested in the dark side of human nature.