Immortal Turpin

Immortal Turpin, published in 1948 by Staples Press, was written by Julius E. Day as a historical examination of the legendary English highwayman Dick Turpin. The work emerged in the post-war era, a period when British publishers were revisiting folklore and historical figures to bolster national identity and provide accessible narrative history to a public seeking escapist reading.

The book is notable for its inclusion of illustrations by Frank Gillett, an artist well-regarded for his work in sporting magazines and his ability to capture the dynamic energy of horses and riders. Day’s prose sought to disentangle the romanticized myth of Turpin from the harsher realities of his criminal life, aiming to bridge the gap between popular legend and historical record. Upon its release, it was received as a charming, if somewhat nostalgic, contribution to the canon of British outlaw literature.