A significant work in the field of highwaymen and their exploits from the early 17th century to the early 18th century. The book provides detailed accounts of the lives and adventures of various highwaymen, including their methods, motivations, and the social context in which they operated in a comprehensive coverage of the subject, including both historical and fictional highwaymen disclosing the most secret and barbarous murders, unparalleled robberies, notorious thefts, and unheard-of cheats, setting them in a true light and exposing them to public view for the common benefit of mankind.
It is also significant for its inclusion of extracts from Captain Charles Johnson’s “A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the most notorious Pyrates, which provides additional insights into the lives and careers of pirates during the same period.
#A Literary Rendition of Criminal Lives: The Highwaymen’s Tales
In a fascinating preface, the lives of criminals are unveiled with a singular purpose – to deter the commission of crimes. The source, it is rumored, emanates not from the reports of the ordinaries of Newgate, but rather from the confessions of the criminals themselves. These individual biographies, however, are presented as third person narratives, shrouded in mystery regarding their origins.
The narrative unfolds in a standardized pattern, commencing with the introduction of the criminal’s given name and lineage, followed by a riveting account of their nefarious exploits, where the criminal captivates the audience with the sheer ingenuity of their mind, if not their wit. Finally, each account culminates in a chilling record of the execution date. These gripping tales bear a striking resemblance to the satirical works of Quevedo, where characters and professions become not only victims of the respective criminals but also subjects of a higher satire. The criminal, in a cunning display, unmasks their victims by compelling them to settle their debts. Peppered with numerous dates, the latest entry in this enigmatic compilation is dated 4th September 1713, leaving the reader spellbound by the intrigue and mystery of the criminal underworld.
This rendition presents the original passage in a more elaborate and evocative manner, capturing the essence of the text in a superior form befitting a literary work. The lives of the infamous criminals, as recorded here, were published with the intention of serving as a cautionary tale to deter others from following in their footsteps. These narratives are not based on the reports of the ordinary of Newgate, but rather on the firsthand accounts of the criminals themselves. The individual biographies are presented in the third person, without any indication of the sources used. The standard format includes the criminal’s name, extraction, a sequence of crimes, and the date of execution.
These stories bear a striking resemblance to the satirical works of Quevedo, where characters and professions fall victim not only to the criminal’s actions but also to the higher satire. The criminal, in his own words, demasks his victims by forcing them to pay what they owe him. The dates provided within the text, including the final one on September 4, 1713, serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of these notorious figures.
The Alexander Smith stories are a testament to the cunning, wit, and brutality of the highwaymen who roamed the roads during the 17th and 18th centuries. Each tale is a masterclass in the art of deception, as the criminals weave intricate webs of lies and deceit to achieve their goals. The lives of these notorious highwaymen serve as a reminder of the dangers of crime and the importance of justice. Their stories, though often sensationalized and exaggerated, provide a glimpse into the world of criminal activity during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Regarding the first edition of the book, it is considered a rare and valuable item in the rare book market. The first edition is highly sought after by collectors and scholars due to its historical significance and the limited availability of the book. The value of the first edition can vary depending on factors such as the condition of the book, the rarity of the edition, and the demand from collectors.
In terms of the book’s value in the rare book market, it is difficult to provide an exact figure without considering specific details about the edition and condition of the book. However, as a rare and significant work in the field of highwaymen and piracy, it can be expected to fetch a substantial price in the rare book market.
– First editions of rare books can fetch prices ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the condition and rarity of the book.
– Books with significant historical or cultural value can command higher prices due to their importance and the demand from collectors.
– The condition of the book, including its binding, pages, and any illustrations or other features, can significantly impact its value.
– The rarity of the book, including the number of copies printed and the availability of the book, can also impact its value.
Given the historical significance and rarity of Captain Alexander Smith’s “A History of the Lives of the Most Noted Highwaymen,” it can be expected to fetch a substantial price in the rare book market.
Here is the list of publication years and editions for the book “A Complete History of the Lives and Robberies of the Most Notorious Highwaymen” by Captain Alexander Smith:
1714: The first edition is released.
1719: An edition is printed, possibly updated or revised, as was common with popular works of the period to include recent events or corrections, and published in two volumes.
1720-1899s: Other editions are likely published during this period, reflecting ongoing demand and updates to the content.
1926: A new edition that includes scholarly prefaces, such as an introduction by Arthur L. Hayward is published.
The peculiar 1926 Edition.
1933: A Popular Edition by Routledge edited by Arthur L. Hayward is released.
The first edition of “The History of the Most Noted Highway-Men” was published in 1714 in London by J. Morphew and A. Dodd, and is considered a very rare and valuable book, therefore as famous compilation and is highly sought after in the rare book market, and not only for the above highlighted editions.
A 1933 reissue of Captain Smith’s fifth edition is available and affordable, and it includes an introduction by Arthur L. Hayward, which sets the accounts in the appropriate historical context. Its value should not go down 800,00 €, if with a good and decent dust jacket and pages, rather it should increase at least up to 6 or 8% from now to the next decades.
The 1933 edition is still highly sought after by collectors.
