Murder of Mr. Steele: Documents and Observations Tending to Shew...
A Presentation Copy from the Author with an Additional Folding Map Not in Other Copies [Trial]. Harmer, James [1777-1853]. [Holloway, John (d. 1807), Defendant]. [Haggerty, Owen (d. 1807), Defendant]. Murder of Mr. Steele. Documents and Observations, Tending to Shew a Probability of the Innocence of John Holloway and Owen Haggerty, Who Were Executed on Monday the 23d of February, 1807, As the Murderers of the Above Gentleman. London: Printed for the Author; and sold by M. Jones, 1807. [iv], 89, [1] pp. Octavo (8-1/2" x 5"; 21.5 x 13 cm). [Bound after] Kinnard, W., Jr. Plan of a Part of Hounslow Heath. By W. Kinnard, Junior. In Relation to the Murder of Mr. Steele. [S.l.: S.n., 1807?]. [2] ff. Octavo (5" x 3-1/2"; 13 x 9 cm). With a folding map of Hounslow Heath. Later buckram, gilt title to spine, endleaves added. Moderate toning to interior, light foxing and soiling in a few places, small blind-embossed library stamp, "Grendon Hall," to first few leaves, creasing to map, its upper right corner lacking without loss to image, manuscript docket to its verso, inscription "George Chetwynd/ from the Author" to head of title page (slightly affected by trimming). $450. **THIS DESCRIPTION IS TRUNCATED DUE TO CHARACTER LIMITS. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A COMPLETE VERSION.** * Only edition. James Harmer was one of the most prominent criminal defense lawyers of early 19th-century London, later serving as an alderman and Sheriff of London. His immense knowledge of Old Bailey proceedings and his formidable court presence directly inspired Charles Dickens when creating the shrewd attorney Mr. Jaggers in Great Expectations. Driven by his extensive trial experience, Harmer became a relentless crusader against wrongful convictions and an outspoken advocate for the reform of English criminal procedure. This work represents Harmer's meticulous investigation into the 1802 murder of lavender merchant John Steele on Hounslow Heath. John Holloway and Owen Haggerty were convicted entirely on circumstantial evidence and the dubious testimony of a paid informer. Despite public doubts-including Harmer's forceful evidence presented in this volume-both men were hanged at Newgate on February 23, 1807. The trial captivated London to a sensational degree: an estimated 40,000 spectators gathered for the execution. The dense crowd panic.
Price: $450.00
Book number 82960