细节
[METCALF, John (1717-1810)]. The Life of John Metcalf, commonly called Blind Jack of Knaresborough. With many entertaining anecdotes of his exploits in hunting, card playing, &c. York: E. & R. Peck, 1795.
12° (167 x 101mm). Engraved portrait by J.R. Smith. (Slightly discoloured.) Contemporary half calf, black lettering-piece (slightly rubbed); with 3 other editions of the same work: Leeds, 1801; Leeds, 1804; Knaresborough, 1812 (2 copies with differing portrait, one with a half title). Various bindings. All 5 volumes in a calf-backed cloth folder by Riviere, gilt spine. Provenance: C.F.G.R. Schwerdt (bookplate; his sale, 11 March 1946, lot 1767).
FIRST AND THREE SUBSEQUENT EDITIONS OF THIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER. His blindness at the age of six, as a result of smallpox, in no way prevented Metcalf from becoming an expert horseman, soldier (he was present at Culloden on the king's side), cock-fighter, card-player, musician, smuggler and stage-coach entrepreneur. As a road-builder, he was among the great predecessors of Telford and Macadam. 'The total mileage of the turnpike roads constructed by him, involving the building of many bridges, retaining walls, and culverts, was about 180 miles, for which he received not less than £65,000' (DNB). Having retired to Spofforth near Wetherby, he dictated the memoirs of his remarkable life, selling the book to visitors in Harrogate. Schwerdt IV, pp. 63-64. (5)
12° (167 x 101mm). Engraved portrait by J.R. Smith. (Slightly discoloured.) Contemporary half calf, black lettering-piece (slightly rubbed); with 3 other editions of the same work: Leeds, 1801; Leeds, 1804; Knaresborough, 1812 (2 copies with differing portrait, one with a half title). Various bindings. All 5 volumes in a calf-backed cloth folder by Riviere, gilt spine. Provenance: C.F.G.R. Schwerdt (bookplate; his sale, 11 March 1946, lot 1767).
FIRST AND THREE SUBSEQUENT EDITIONS OF THIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER. His blindness at the age of six, as a result of smallpox, in no way prevented Metcalf from becoming an expert horseman, soldier (he was present at Culloden on the king's side), cock-fighter, card-player, musician, smuggler and stage-coach entrepreneur. As a road-builder, he was among the great predecessors of Telford and Macadam. 'The total mileage of the turnpike roads constructed by him, involving the building of many bridges, retaining walls, and culverts, was about 180 miles, for which he received not less than £65,000' (DNB). Having retired to Spofforth near Wetherby, he dictated the memoirs of his remarkable life, selling the book to visitors in Harrogate. Schwerdt IV, pp. 63-64. (5)
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