The New London Spy, a group of 3 editions | Rambles through London and encounters with its "Modern High and Low Life"

The New London Spy, a group of 3 editions

The New London Spy. London: J. Cooke, 1771 — Sir John Fielding, Richard King and others. The New London Spy. New Genuine Edition. London: Printed for Alex. Hogg, [1800?] — Barrington's New London Spy … to Which is Prefixed a Complete Treatise on Boxing … by George Barrington, Principal Superintendant of the Convicts at Botany Bay.  London: For Tegg & Co; and sold by T. Hughes, [ca. 1800?]

Together 3 volumes, all 12mo (approximately 173 x 102 mm). The first in contemporary Cambridge style calf; rebacked with original spine laid down. Very good. ESTC T225033. — The second with engraved frontispiece; some discoloration, title-page shaved at fore-edge. Original brown paper wrappers. ESTC N50050. — The third with handcolored engraved frontispiece and title-page vignette of boxers. Very Good. Modern polished red calf.

With regard to accreditation of the third edition to George Barrington, see also lot 57. In 1790, he was sentenced to seven years' transportation to Botany Bay. On the voyage there a conspiracy was hatched by the convicts on board to seize the ship. Barrington disclosed the plot to the captain, and the latter, on reaching New South Wales, reported him favorably to the authorities, with the result that in 1792 Barrington obtained a warrant of emancipation (the first issued), subsequently becoming superintendent of convicts and later high constable of Parramatta.