"Of such interest that it is easy to predict for it a great success" Irish Times
"Similar books have been written, but none which we recall in which an engrossing theme is treated with such sober and praiseworthy reticence." The People
"One of the most illuminating human nature records that have been given to the public for a long time" St James's Gazette

The reminiscences of twenty-seven years' experience of John Sweeney, late detective inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D), Scotland Yard.

John Sweeney writes very well and without sensationalism about his unusual career in policing, including his many years attached to the Special Branch at Scotland Yard. As well as doing protection work for the Royal Family and other notable persons, he spent much time investigating crime of a political nature. He did the work of an intelligence agent, including shadowing and spying on suspects, in addition to more traditional police duties. He became very familiar with the Anarchists, Nihilists, Fenians, Clan-na-Gaelites and other revolutionaries of late Victorian London.

Being an Irishman born and bred, who became an English policeman, John Sweeney often worked on issues relating to Ireland, having been selected by his superiors as especially suitable for this work. He travelled to Ireland for work on occasion and had a close relationship with both the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police. In London he focused his energies on the activities of people that could have been regarded as extremists of Irish nationalism, including many well-known political figures.

Of additional interest is John Sweeney's writing on the Legitimation League, an organisation he investigated which campaigned for the legitimation of illegitimate children and 'free love' and in doing so drew the close attention of the Metropolitan Police. He also writes at length of the alien (immigration) problems in London, one of the most prominent debates of the age.

John Sweeney's memoir is not typical as for most of his career he was not engaged in 'ordinary' police work. It is a fascinating read for those interested in the political policing of the day, especially that related to anarchism and Irish nationalism. It is also an important insight into undercover policing and less well-known endeavours such as the policing of sexual morality. First published by Grant Richards in 1904. This special edition is published by Lewisham Press.

John Sweeney was born in Staigue, County Kerry, Ireland in 1857. He moved to England at age sixteen and had a distinguished career in the Metropolitan Police. After his retirement in 1903, he became a private enquiry agent. The many high-profile cases he worked on as a private detective meant he remained a well-known figure in the press and the courts. He died in 1930 and is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery, London.

"A work of quite unusual interest" Westminster Gazette
"Mr Sweeney has much to say that is worth saying - and he says it well" The Referee
"There is a peril on every page, a romance in every chapter" Daily Chronicle
"A most interesting volume" Daily Mail