Voted one of The Guardian's top 10 best crime books of all time and one of the best true crime books ever written according to Stylist

Shirley Pitts, the eldest of six children was born upside down on 24 November 1934. Her 'career' began by thieving bread off doorsteps and coal from coal carts. Her father's bungled attempts at black marketeering and her dipsomaniac mother's inadequacies made Shirley resolve not only to be a first-class thief but also the best mother her six children could wish for.

Before she died Shirley told her story to Lorraine - the story of a generous, brave and beautiful woman with a huge sense of fun and a love of life.

The life story of Shirley Pitts, queen of shoplifters in the era of the Kray twins in London.

About the Author
Lorraine Gamman is Professor of Design, at Central Saint Martins (CSM) College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London (UAL), where she has taught design and contextual studies since 1989. She is also currently a Visiting Professor and Research Associate at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) Australia. Gamman has published widely on visual culture and design, including co-authored academic books, articles and critical reviews. She now lives in Stoke Newington with her partner and daughter.

Reviews
For a true-life tale of a woman it's hard to dislike then this is your book. * Stylist *



Book Information
ISBN 9781448213535
Author Lorraine Gamman
Format Paperback
Page Count 398
Imprint Bloomsbury Reader
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 449g