Tam o' the Scoots: Undercover in the Shadows: A Thrilling Tale of Crime and Class Struggles in London's Underworld
Dec 2019 · Good Press
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About this ebook
In 'Tam o' the Scoots,' Edgar Wallace crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines intrigue, social commentary, and the gothic undercurrents characteristic of early 20th-century British literature. Set in the picturesque yet shadowy landscapes of Scotland, the novel follows the titular character, Tam, whose adventures reveal the dichotomies of human nature and moral complexity. Wallace's prose, marked by vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue, evokes a profound sense of place, all while maintaining a brisk narrative pace that keeps readers engaged. The work reflects the zeitgeist of its time, addressing themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the hunt for identity amidst chaos. Edgar Wallace, an eminent figure in early crime fiction, was born in 1875 and had a prolific career as a novelist, playwright, and journalist. His diverse experiences, from participating in the Boer War to working in various journalistic capacities, undoubtedly influenced his writing. 'Tam o' the Scoots' showcases Wallace'Äôs knack for creating vivid characters and gripping plots, drawing from his encounters with the complexities of human behavior and societal norms. For readers seeking a richly woven tale that combines adventure with moral introspection, 'Tam o' the Scoots' is an essential read. Wallace's ability to merge action with keen social insight makes this book not just a captivating adventure but a thoughtful exploration of the human psyche. This novel will resonate with those who appreciate classic literature that challenges and entertains.
About the author
Among the most prolific of all authors of adventure fiction was the redoubtable Edgar Wallace. Born in London, Wallace received his early education at St. Peter's School and the Board School. Wallace served in the Royal West Kent Regiment in England and later as part of the Medical Staff Corps stationed in South Africa. During World War I, Wallace acted as a special interrogator for the War Office. As was the case with a number of successful popular authors, Wallace experienced a rich and diverse life before turning to professional writing. From 1886 to the 1930s, he worked in a printing shop, a shoe shop, and a rubber factory, and served as a merchant sailor and milk deliverer. Beginning in 1899, Wallace became a journalist and wrote variously for the London Daily Mail and the Rand Daily News, among others; he also worked with the racing periodicals, having founded two of them---Bibury's Weekly and R. E. Walton's Weekly. Like Sax Rohmer, Wallace earned a fortune from his writings, yet, because of a lack of business sense and a tendency to overspend, he died in debt. A prodigious writer of fiction, Wallace published, over the course of his professional life, some 173 books and wrote 17 plays. Many of his adventure narratives featured elements of crime or mystery, but they all thrived on action. Although Wallace's handling of plot was superb and he was respected for his ability to blend suspense with humor, he was less successful with his characters, who tended to be two-dimensional and stereotyped. One of his early crime adventures, The Four Just Men (1906), introduced what was to become a trademark for Wallace---lurid sensationalism coupled with dramatic violence. Wallace published in a wide range of genres, including poetry, short fiction, autobiography, and epic political history. Regrettably, much of what he wrote has lapsed into obscurity today. As sometimes is the problem with popular fiction, perhaps it was too hurriedly written---too intimately connected with its contemporary audience---to stand the ultimate test of time. But Wallace's work was highly influential, especially in the American pulp magazine markets of the Great Depression, and stands today, despite its many flaws, as some of the most effective literary adventures ever written.
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