Mackcoull James (3 results)

No Binding. Condition: Very Good. By John Paton Kay (illustrator). A splendid engraved portrait, printed in circa 1837. Plate Size Approx 10 x 7 Ins, 25 x 20 Cms. Engraved size approx 5 x 4 Ins, 13 x 10 Cms. Mounted and ready to frame. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase an attractive and decorative engraved portrait.

First edition. vii, [1], 317, [5], 4pp. With an engraved portrait frontispiece and four terminal leaves of publisher's advertisements. Modern navy half-morocco, marbled paper boards, lettered in gilt to spine, T.E.G. Marbled endpapers, contemporary gift inscription to recto of front blank fly-leaf, very occasional manuscript corrections to text, scattered spotting. An account of the misdemeanours of notorious bank robber and confidence trickster, James Mackcoull. Mackcoull achieved a measure of popular fame owning to his ability to evade authorities and manipulate legal professionals. When finally caught, during attempted robbery of the Glasgow branch of the Paisley Union Bank in 1813, he charm would ensure he slipped the noose. Due to legal delays Mackcoull was not tried until six years after his arrest. Leaning on his celebrity status, he was able to persuade the judge to forego the death sentence. He died in prison of natural causes in December 1820. Size: 8vo.

8vo. pp. vii, [1]errata, 317. etched frontis. portrait of Mackcoull by J.Horsburgh. folding table. contemporary half calf (joints cracked, spine defective, title & frontis. foxed). First Edition. Marke 995.