Rogues & Vagabonds of the Racecourse Full Explanations of How They Cheat at Roulette, Three-Cards, Thimblerig, &c. And Some Account of the Welsher and Money-lender in Connection with the Turf.

London: John Camden Hotten, 1872. Full description:

TOULMIN, Alfred Harper. Rogues & Vagabonds of the Racecourse. Full Explanations of How They Cheat at Roulette, Three-Cards, Thimblerig, &c. And Some Account of the Welsher and Money-lender in Connection with the Turf. London: John Camden Hotten, [n.d.c.a. 1872].

First edition in book form. Small octavo (6 3/8 x 4 1/8 inches; 163 x 104 mm). [8, publisher's ads], [1]-98, [[20, publisher's ads] pp. With half-title and frontispiece included in the pagination. Verso of title-page reads "Reprinted from Baily's Magazine."

Publisher's pictorial printed wrappers. Rebacked (truncated) with newer spine and lower wrapper. Front wrapper with some rubbing and creasing. Inside of front wrapper printed with more publisher's ads. Leaves a bit toned. Still a very good copy of this rare item.

"I am not naturally of a vindictive nature, far from it, but if there is any one thing that I nourish a fierce hatred for, it is a thorough racecourse scoundrel; you may call him what you like, welsher, three-card man, roulette-table keeper, pickpocket, thief, for his vocation merely varies with opportunity." (Toulmin, pg 11).

HBS 69228.

$1,250. (Inventory #: 69228)