Dick Turpin

Published in 1979 by Armada, this novelization is based on the popular British television series Dick Turpin, which originally aired on ITV. The series depicted a romanticized, swashbuckling version of the notorious 18th-century highwayman, shifting the character from a brutal criminal to a heroic figure fighting against corruption and injustice. The book was released during the height of the show's popularity to capitalize on its appeal to younger audiences.

The novel was written by Richard Carpenter, who was the primary creator and writer for the television series. Carpenter was known for his ability to weave historical settings with adventurous storytelling, and in this adaptation, he aimed to preserve the brisk, episodic pace of the screenplays while providing additional depth to the character's motivations. It remains a notable example of late 1970s television tie-in literature, reflecting the era's trend of expanding successful broadcast properties into print.