Stephen Burroughs, 1798

BURROUGHS, Stephen (c.1765-1840). Memoirs of Stephen Burroughs. Hanover, NH: Benjamin True, 1798.

First edition of "one of the great criminal autobiographies, and an important piece of picaresque Americana" (Streeter). Burroughs was a quintessential rogue: a runaway who deserted from the army, dropped out of college, went to sea, impersonated a ship's physician, impersonated a parson, and escaped from multiple prisons including an island fortress (in one case by setting fire to the prison). He later moved to Canada and became head of a counterfeiting ring before reforming and taking up a post as a youth pastor. This is his story in his own words and, according to Reese, "one of the first such confessional works published in the United States." A continuation was printed in Boston in 1804, and complete sets are rare. Evans 33478; Sabin 9466; Howes B-1022; Streeter sale 724; Reese, Federal Hundred 72.

Octavo (203 x 125mm). (A few paper flaws and tears affecting some letters, foxing and toning, some sheets with faint impressions.) Contemporary mottled calf (joints cracked, some repairs to boards).