Synopsis

Rescued from the bowels of British history comes a fellow of infamous notoriety by the name of Japhet Crook, (alias Sir Peter Stranger). Set against the backdrop of seething political and religious unrest the story begins in the 17th century and takes us from his rural beginnings to the fleshpots of London. Spanning the reign of seven monarchs it continues to follow his life of dissipation throughout the big cities of, Ireland and Scotland then finally back to his lonely demise in a Southwark sponging house, at the grand age of seventy two.

Of thieves and rogues, highwaymen and footpads, in general England has had enough to spare. Few counties, however, can boast of such a financial fraudster and bigamist combined as the subject of this book. That he did not make his exit from this troublesome world at the Tyburn tree or Newgate was not the fault of Japhet Crook, the blame, if any, must be laid on the lapse of the law. Whether or not he did deserve the fate that became him is left to the opinion of the reader. It is no exaggeration to say that Crook was one of the most colourful characters of his time and by all evidence, a most remarkable and charming man.

This novel is a fictionalised account, based on the true documentation of this illustrious rake and charlatan who was born of humble Quaker parentage in the county of Hertfordshire. Having started his working life as a drayman he soon learnt the art of brewing and, after a short apprenticeship, established himself as a malt merchant. By accumulating a small fortune from his improper dealings, he furthered his career by speculating in illicit property transactions. During his lifetime, he endeavoured to pursue a corrupt and amorous existence, escaping justice several times. At the famed age of seventy and after three bigamous marriages Japhet Crook, along with his paramour Lady Lawley, stood trial for his misdemeanours and was sentenced to a cruel and barbaric retribution.

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