How many books has Eugène-François Vidocq written?

Eugène-François Vidocq published 2 non-fiction books and 2 other books that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Eugène-François Vidocq's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16].

What is Eugène-François Vidocq's most famous book?

Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16] (1828) is Eugène-François Vidocq's most widely read book.

Eugène-François Vidocq books in order

French criminal and criminalist

Lived: 1775–1857
Country: France
Books: 4

Eugène-François Vidocq published 2 non-fiction books and 2 other books, beginning with Memoirs of Vidocq, Principal Agent of the French Police Until 1827 (1828). The best-known is Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16] (1828).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Eugène-François Vidocq

Start here
Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16]
Eugène-François Vidocq's most-read book.

Non-fiction in order

Vidocq, the French Police Spy (1860)
191 pages
Buy
Memoirs of Vidocq (2003)
369 pages
Buy

Other books in order

Memoirs of Vidocq, Principal Agent of the French Police Until 1827 (1828)
Buy
Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16] (1828)
Buy

About Eugène-François Vidocq

Eugène-François Vidocq was a French criminal turned criminalist, whose life story inspired several writers, including Victor Hugo, Edgar Allan Poe, and Honoré de Balzac. He was the founder and first director of France's first criminal investigative agency, the Sûreté Nationale, as well as the head of the first known private detective agency. Vidocq is considered to be the father of the French national police force. He is also regarded as the first private detective. Vidocq's birthday, 24 July, is celebrated as National-International Private Investigators Day.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Eugène-François Vidocq FAQ

How many books has Eugène-François Vidocq written?: Eugène-François Vidocq published 2 non-fiction books and 2 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Eugène-François Vidocq's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16].
What is Eugène-François Vidocq's last book?: Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16] (1828).
What is Eugène-François Vidocq's most famous book?: Memoirs of Vidocq, Written by Himself. Tr. [by H.t. Riley]. [with Plates, Cm.16] (1828) is Eugène-François Vidocq's most widely read book.

Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.