Lives and Exploits of English Highwaymen, Pirates, and Robbers - Drwan Form the Most Authentic Sources #223865

He alone is a truly brave man, who, being powerful, thinks it disgraceful to insult the feeble: many who pass for brave in the estimation of the world, are yet cowardly enough to commit base and barbarous actions: what else can be said of those, who possessing strength of mind and vigour of body, employ their faculties to rob and oppress the weak and ignorant? It is an easy matter to assume the semblance of fortitude and resolution; but few, very few, are the individuals who really possess those noble qualities: particularly such hardened villains whose lives and exploits are so faithfully recorded in the following work.<br><br>In presenting to the public a new edition of the "Lives of English Highwaymen, Pirates, and Robbers," the editor is tempted to indulge in a few more observations which, uncalled for, perhaps, by those who seek in a book of this nature for amusement alone, are nevertheless not misplaced or unimportant, when it is remembered that the utility of the work is to be vindicated, and its object to be approved.<br><br>It is incumbent on the Author or Editor of a book to indicate the aim and end of his performance; hence the necessity for a preface. It is the privilege of the reader (a privilege, we fear, confirmed by custom) to pass it over without perusal; - hence its inutility.