ntury Yorkshire, The Gallows Pole is the true story of an organized crime of forgers known as the Cragg Vale Coiners. Lead by the charismatic 'King David Hartley, a man prone to violence and mystical visions, they rise to glory until the bloody murder of a government official brings them to the attention of the authorities. An English western, The Gallows Pole is a poetic and visceral telling of a secret history and a wild landscape. It explores contemporary themes including wealth, abuse of power, class, corruptions, borders and boundaries and national identity. Includes a Foreword by Benjamin Myers exclusive to this USA edition from Third Man Books.