Thomas Peckett Prest — The Maniac Father

London, Edward Lloyd, 1842. Leather. An extremely scarce penny dreadful by noted author of this genre, Thomas Peckett Prest. Illustrated, with two frontispieces and many in-text illustrations. An illustrated title page is pasted to a leaf. It is possible this title page is from the original wraps.  A wonderful example of this work, with a striking illustrated title page. Undated, dated from the British Library entry on Library Hub, which dates its copy from the preface (May 3rd 1842). One of many Penny Dreadfuls written by infamous hack writer Thomas Peckett Prest. Prest is best known as the co-creator of Sweeney Todd the 'demon barber' who featured in 'The String of Pearls&apos. Extremely scarce in commerce, this work was inspired by Mrs Opie's story 'Father and Daughter&apos. A very smart copy of this extremely scarce work. In a half calf binding, with paper covered boards. Externally, very smart. Light rubbing to the joints and spine. Front hinge is strained but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Occasional light spots to pages. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .