'Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, King of the Beggars' Summary

Bampfylde Moore Carew, a self-proclaimed 'King of the Beggars', recounts his extraordinary life as a professional mendicant in 18th-century England. His book, a blend of autobiography and social commentary, details his audacious methods of acquiring charity through an array of elaborate disguises and compelling narratives. From impersonating shipwrecked sailors to posing as distressed widows, Carew's cunning schemes often involved elaborate theatrics and an intimate understanding of human nature. Despite his success, Carew's life was punctuated by periods of capture and forced exile, including a stint in colonial America where he encountered Native Americans before escaping to England once again. The narrative offers a unique perspective on the lives of those struggling for survival in 18th-century England, as well as the social conventions and prejudices of the time. Carew's story is further enriched by his inclusion of a detailed dictionary of the 'cant language' spoken by beggars, providing a glimpse into their secret world of codes and terminology.