The Surprising Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew, King of the Beggars Containing his Life, a Dictionary of the Cant Language, and many Entertaining Particulars of that Extraordinary Man

Born into a respectable Devon family in 1693, Bampfylde Moore Carew seemed destined for a quiet clerical life under his father's guidance. Yet his early years at Tiverton school reveal a restless spirit, a love of classical languages and a surprising talent for hunting that set him apart from his privileged peers. His tall, open‑minded presence and a knack for coaxing hounds with a unique shout hint at a charisma that will soon take him far beyond the schoolyard.

When a neighboring farmer reports a collared deer roaming his fields, Carey's circle of fellow gentlemen seizes the chance for a thrilling chase. The pursuit rages across corn‑laden countryside, testing their stamina and cunning, while the young Bampfylde discovers early on the fine line between sport and mischief. These early adventures lay the groundwork for his transformation from country lad to the legendary figure known as the king of beggars, promising a life filled with daring escapades and a colorful glimpse into the cant of the underworld.