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«Historical Mysteries» by Andrew Lang is a captivating collection of Victorian true crime essays that investigates twelve of history's most perplexing unsolved cases. First published in 1904, this masterwork of historical investigations combines scholarly rigor with gripping storytelling as Lang re-examines notorious mysteries through contemporary 19th-century perspectives.
The book opens with the enigmatic disappearance of James IV of Scotland's body after the Battle of Flodden (1513), applying modern forensic thinking to medieval warfare. Subsequent chapters analyze:
The baffling vanishing of Benjamin Bathurst (1809), a British diplomat who stepped behind an inn and never reappeared
The controversial Kaspar Hauser case, questioning whether this "wild child" was truly a German prince
The suspicious death of Charles Bravo, featuring one of England's most controversial poison trials
Lang's distinctive approach blends 19th century mysteries research with psychological insight, particularly in his revolutionary re-reading of the Gowrie Conspiracy (1600) as a possible case of mistaken identity rather than royal treachery. Unlike typical famous disappearances compilations, Lang frequently disputes popular theories, notably debunking supernatural explanations for the "Dingwall Ghost" through meticulous document analysis.
About the author
Andrew Lang (1844.1912), the Scottish polymath behind these Victorian true crime masterpieces, was one of Britain's most versatile late-19th century intellectuals. Educated at St. Andrews and Oxford, this prolific writer produced over 100 works spanning anthropology (historical investigations), fairy tale collections (notably the Coloured Fairy Books), Homeric translations, and pioneering psychical research.
Lang's fascination with 19th century mysteries stemmed from his early legal training and presidency of the Society for Psychical Research. His crime writings uniquely blended folkloric expertise with emerging forensic science, as seen in Historical Mysteries' groundbreaking use of behavioral analysis in the Debatable Land border disputes chapter.
While best known today for his fairy tale compilations, Lang's famous disappearances research established him as a precursor to modern historical true crime authors like Dorothy L. Sayers. His interdisciplinary approach mixing archaeology, psychology, and archival detective work continues influencing investigative journalism and cold case studies.
