First published in 1969, this little book provoked a whole new field of historical study: bandit history. This substantially revised and expanded new edition brings the book up to the present day, when the disintegration of state power has brought back banditry to many parts of the world.
From the Balkan haiduks, to the Indian dacoits to the Peruvian congaceiros banditry has been mythologised in legend and song across the globe. In Bandits Eric Hobsbawm tells the dramatic story of these men, their violent and action-packed lives, and bloody deaths. But who were these bandits? Were they really champions of social justice as was claimed? What qualities did they possess to make them unique? What was their place within the economic and political framework? And why did characters such as Robin Hood and Jesse James become known throughout the world? These questions and many others are answered in this fascinating, fast-paced history of myth and reality.