Description
Discover the thrilling narrative of Charles L. Lawrence, one of America's most notorious smugglers, in this compelling historical account. Set against the frigid winter of 1875, this groundbreaking book, published in 2015 by W W Norton & Company, unveils the intricate web of smuggling operations that spanned four continents and lasted half a decade. Lawrence, an infamous associate of Boss Tweed, orchestrated a massive silk smuggling ring that funneled an astonishing $60 million worth of silk into the United States. This gripping tale delves into a pivotal period of American history when smuggling tested the very essence of patriotism and resilience. Following the American Revolution, high tariffs led Congress to become the nation's guardian, enforcing stringent inspections against the influx of illicit goods, including silk, opium, tobacco, and diamonds. During the Gilded Age, as America emerged as a global power, the landscape of smuggling transformed, evolving from mere antics to a serious crime of sophistication and intrigue. This fascinating book spans 384 pages, filled with engaging insights and historical accounts that illuminate the romantic yet perilous world of contraband in America. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780393065336. Note: Shipping is free, and delivery may take up to 6 weeks. Please remember that once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780393065336
Year: 2015
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 384
Description:
In the frigid winter of 1875, federal agents tracked Charles L. Lawrence, an intimate of Boss Tweed and the most promiscuous smuggler in American history. Leading a network spanning four continents and lasting half a decade, "Charley" smuggled silk worth $60 million into the United States.Since the American Revolution, smuggling had tested the patriotism of the American people. Distrusting foreign goods, Congress instituted high tariffs making the custom house the nation's protector. It waged a "war on smuggling", inspecting every traveller for illicitly imported silk, opium, tobacco, sugar, diamonds and art. The Civil War's blockade of the Confederacy heightened the obsession with contraband but smuggling entered its prime during the Gilded Age and only as the United States became a global power did smuggling lose its scurvy romance.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780393065336
Year: 2015
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 384
Description:
In the frigid winter of 1875, federal agents tracked Charles L. Lawrence, an intimate of Boss Tweed and the most promiscuous smuggler in American history. Leading a network spanning four continents and lasting half a decade, "Charley" smuggled silk worth $60 million into the United States.Since the American Revolution, smuggling had tested the patriotism of the American people. Distrusting foreign goods, Congress instituted high tariffs making the custom house the nation's protector. It waged a "war on smuggling", inspecting every traveller for illicitly imported silk, opium, tobacco, sugar, diamonds and art. The Civil War's blockade of the Confederacy heightened the obsession with contraband but smuggling entered its prime during the Gilded Age and only as the United States became a global power did smuggling lose its scurvy romance.