METCALF (John):
The Life of John Metcalf; commonly called Black Jack of Knaresbrough; with many entertaining anecdotes of His Exploits in Hunting, Card Play, &c. some particulars relative to the Expedition against the Rebels, in 1745, In which he bare a Personal Share; and also, a succinct account of his various contracts of Making Roads, Erecting ridges, and Other Undertakings. In Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, and Cheshire. Which, for a series of years have brought him into a most Extraordinary Characters. The Fifth Edition, with considerable Additions and Amendments.
London: Printed for the Booksellers; and for J. Kendrew, Collier-Gate, York [no date], [1812]. 12mo, 184 x 113 mms., pp. 72, engraved portrait frontispiece "Publish'd by J. Kendrew...1812," original printed wrappers, uncut and stitched as issued; rather the worse for wear, with covers soiled, part of spine missing, corners creased, and edges soiled and crushed. Metcalf (1717 - 1810) published this account of his life in 1795, and it was frequently reprinted after that. A bout of smallpox rendered him blind when he was six, but he had an extraordinary career. Among other accomplishments, he was responsible for developing and building some of the best roads in England. No copies traced in UK libraries; WorldCat locates copies in Yale, Indiana, and the Library of Congress.
John Price Antiquarian Books
Professional sellerBook number: 7352
GBP 165.00 [Appr.: EURO 193.75 US$ 210.75 | JP¥ 32813]
Keywords: biography blindness prose