Smith, Alexander

The History of the Lives of the most Noted Highway–Men, Foot–Pads, House–breakers, Shop–Lifts, and Cheats [...]

London: Morphew and Dodd, 1714. First Edition. Hardcover. 1st edition, doggedly researched by Smith during police court surveillance and in direct interviews, and it is the prototype for all the 18th, 19th, 20th, and now 21st century books, factual and fictional, on crime and criminals. 1st printing, identified by a title page dated in Roman numerals, preceding Smith’s reprinted editions of 1714, dated in Arabic numerals, and others in 2 or 3 volumes including editions of 1719, and Johnson’s versions of 1724, and 1734, all many times more common. To those trying to sell the later editions, our 1st edition has been like the mansion ghost. No one had ever seen it, but everyone was afraid of it. Now it is proven to be, not only real, but more than that, obtainable here and now. Contemporary, full paneled calf, some binding repairs and wear, a few scuffs, text a bit toned, lower margin tight, else very good, complete, and sound. A sensation in its day, and a fabled rarity. ABPC says one worn copy at auction in the last 110 years. All others listed (1912, 1914, 1971) look like later printings. OCLC says 3 copies in libraries and ESTC adds 2 more, but some of them are, and all of them may well be, the 2nd printing (it’s complicated). Half morocco case. Very good. Item #725

Price: $30,000.00