Clavell, John | A highwayman reformed with rhyme

Clavell, John

A Recantation of an Ill Led Life, or, a Discoverie of the High-way Law… London: Printed by A[ugustine] M[athewes] for Richard Meighen, 1634

4to (181 x 127 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Clavell, woodcut headpieces and initials; title-page and frontispiece toned, I2 shaved at bottom affecting text, lacks I4 blank. Later calf paneled gilt, marbled endpapers, edges gilt; rebacked.

The third edition. A Recantation of an Ill Led Life is a metrical autobiography and a versified apology for all Clavell's misdealings. He writes about life as a highwayman which is intended as a cautionary tale for travelers abroad.  He also addresses everyone who helped him acquire a pardon from his death sentence.

REFERENCE:

ESTC S108054; STC 5371

PROVENANCE:

William Musgrave (signature and monogrammed stamp on title-page verso)