A True State of the Case of Bosavern Penlez Who Suffered on Account..

1749. London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. [2], 54 pp.. London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. [2], 54 pp. A Victim of the Riot Act? Fielding, Henry [1707-1754]. A True State of the Case of Bosavern Penlez, Who Suffered on Account of the Late Riot in the Strand. In Which the Law Regarding These Offences, And the Statute of George the First, Commonly Called the Riot Act, Are Fully Considered. London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. [2], 54 pp. Octavo (7-3/4" x 4-3/4"). Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent period-style three-quarter calf over marbled boards, gilt fillets to boards, gilt title to spine, endpapers renewed. Light rubbing to extremities, recent bookplate (of Renato Rabaiotti) to front pastedown. Light toning to interior, light soiling in a few places. $600. * First edition, second printing. Penlez [1726-1749] was a wig-maker who had been present at a series of riots against brothels started by sailors who had been robbed at the brothel "The Crown." After he and several others were examined by Fielding, Penlez was convicted under the Riot Act and executed. This caused a good deal of controversy, especially since there was some doubt over the extent of Penlez's involvement in the riot, and several pamphlets were published criticizing the decision to execute him. Our pamphlet, an attempt by Fielding to defend himself, was published in response to the anonymous The Case of the Unfortunate Bosavern Penlez (1749). English Short-Title Catalogue N51550.