The Dark Prince of Melbourne: Squizzy Taylor biography
The Dark Prince of Melbourne is Ian W. Shaw’s biography of Squizzy Taylor, tracing his criminal life and the development of organised crime in Australia. The listing describes a 352-page English-language book focused on Taylor’s life in Melbourne and his wider influence.
At a glance
- Biography of Joseph Leslie “Squizzy” Taylor, from teenage pickpocket to prominent Melbourne criminal.
- Covers crimes, public profile and Taylor’s eventual death in a confrontation with Snowy Cutmore.
- The listing presents the book as a detailed biography and a history of early Australian gangster life.
Reference price: $35.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- A focused biography for readers interested in Squizzy Taylor and Melbourne crime history.
- The listing gives a substantial 352-page print length and identifies both ISBN formats.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | ABC Books AU |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 25 November 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0733344291 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0733344299 |
| Dimensions | 15.6 x 2.7 x 23.4 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 410 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of Australian crime biographies and Melbourne history.
- Readers interested in the history of organised crime and the life of Squizzy Taylor.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for fiction or a broad survey of Australian history unrelated to crime.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
48% 48% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
15% 15% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
15% 15%
Aggregate ratings are mixed, with the overall score leaning positive but a notable one-star share. That gives a cautious indication of varied reader reactions, but without review comments it does not explain what readers liked or disliked. The ratings alone cannot establish how well the book handles its biographical and Australian crime-history subject.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this book about?
It is a biography of Joseph Leslie “Squizzy” Taylor, a Melbourne criminal figure.
What period and subject does the book cover?
The listing describes Taylor’s criminal life and his influence on gangster life in Melbourne and Australia.
How long is the listed edition?
The listing gives a print length of 352 pages.
