The Life of James Greenacre, Who Was Executed at the Old Bailey..

1837. London: william Wright, 1837. Complete.. London: william Wright, 1837. Complete. A Rare Account, Issued in Parts, of the "Edgewear Road Murderer" Huish, Robert [1777-1850]. The Life of James Greenacre, Who Was Executed at the Old Bailey for the Brutal Murder of Mrs. Hannah Brown. Embracing also an Authentic History of the Life of His Accessory Sarah Gale. Embellished with Correct Likenesses of Greenacre and Gale, And Other Engravings, Illustrative of the Principal Scenes of the Horrid Tragedy. London: Published by William Wright, 13 St. George's Road, Southwark, [1837]. iv, 476 pp. Lithograph frontispiece, 4 etched copperplates. Octavo (8-1/4" x 5"). Plate marks indicate this was issued in 21 parts. Complete. Contemporary three-quarter calf over marbled boards, lettering piece and gilt fillets, ornaments and publication date to spine. Corners of binding lightly bumped, moderate toning to interior, faint dampspotting in places, light soiling to title page and a few other leaves, early owner inscription, "John Court/ Nether Wallop/ 1840," to front endleaf. A remarkably well-preserved copy. $1,500. * Only edition. Known as the "Edgeware Road Murderer," Greenacre [1785-1837], a London grocer, planned to marry Hannah Brown for her money. However, his mistress, Sarah Gale [d.1888], convinced him to kill Brown, dismember her and hide her body parts in various places. They would then take her money and escape to America. This plan fell apart after police found her head in Regent's Canal, London. Convicted soon afterwards, Greenacre was hanged and Gale was transported to New South Wales. Likely due to its lurid nature, this case generated a great deal of popular interest and a correspondingly large number of books, pamphlets and prints. Huish, a prolific author of novels, historical and miscellaneous works, many with a moralistic tone, was among the many authors attracted to this subject. This is a rare title. OCLC locates 7 copies, 2 in law libraries (Harvard, Jenkins). Library Hub does not add other locations. (Inventory #: 82354)