Based on fact. Very gritty. Excellent read

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was only after completing it that I discovered that its roots in reality extend beyond the mere fact that coin clipping was once a crime carrying the death penalty. The author worked with a descendant of the main character in this book who, in turn, has published a non-fiction account of the Yorkshire coin clippers. The result is, I believe, very realistic. These were people who didn't understand the consequences of debasing a currency that relied on the weight of gold in each coin to determine its worth. To a certain extent they were able to improve the fortunes of the local people who supported their enterprise. But inevitably, a degree of mobster mentality began to creep in, and with the "business" affecting entire communities, it got out of control. Given the scale it ultimately achieved, it attracted the attention of law enforcement officials. Its downfall was inevitable. Equally inevitable, the "civilizing" influence of looming industrialisation and land grabs paint a stark picture. Superb historical novel!